member initiatives
USBC member initiatives
These USBC members are working to advance sustainable business practices within their own organizations. Click on any member name below to jump to a detailed description of the member’s work.
USBC member initiative details
ACE Recycling & Disposal
ACE Recycling and Disposal purchased their first compressed natural gas (CNG) garbage truck in 2008, and as of 2021, 63% of their garbage trucks run on CNG. ACE has never shied away from investing in new technology that can positively impact our air quality. In 2010, ACE built their first CNG fueling station at their headquarters, and now they have CNG fueling infrastructure at four of their facilities along the Wasatch Front. As of early 2019, ACE began purchasing Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) that is generated from decomposing waste at a Texas landfill. Most exciting of all, the ACE team is eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new electric side-load garbage truck that should be ready to debut in early 2022.
In addition to our efforts in becoming a green fleet, ACE’s headquarters in West Valley City is home to 918 solar panels, is xeriscaped, and has a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Chatbooks
Chatbooks invented the world’s first subscription photo book, which makes creating photo books automatic for its customers. By focusing on four core values—beyond easy, super affordable, great quality, and amazing service—Chatbooks has become a beloved brand of parents everywhere.
Chatbooks products are made using Garda Coated Paper which meets both Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC International) chain of custody standards for sustainably sourced wood and is manufactured at sites which hold #ISO14001 and Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) environmental management certifications as well as #ISO50001 energy management certification.
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is an outdoor gear brand founded to create sustainably designed products that fight extreme poverty, inspire adventure, and move people to do good. As a certified B Corporation, we believe in using the power of business as a force for social, environmental, and economic good.
In addition to our focus on ethical manufacturing, we go the extra mile to source non-virgin and alternative fabrics that are better for the environment. To date, 94% of Cotopaxi products use repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials with a goal to get to 100% by 2025. We also offer repair & trade in programs that prolong the lifecycle of our products to reduce our overall environmental impact.
In 2021, we took responsibility for our carbon footprint and became a verified carbon neutral company. With Climate Neutral’s help, a nonprofit that assists brands in becoming 100% carbon neutral, we measured our carbon footprint and purchased vetted carbon credits to offset our emissions. On top of that, we have worked with them to create an actionable plan for reducing our overall impact in the next two years.
Creative Energies Solar
With over 20 years of solar installation experience, Creative Energies works closely with homeowners and businesses alike to meet their renewable energy goals in the intermountain west. Our community-facing approach has earned us rapport with the communities we serve.
In addition to providing solar solutions for folks across Utah, Creative Energies utilizes Cascade Eco Minerals (CEM) as a solution for solar panel recycling. We collect broken or damaged panels and ship them to CEM who then focuses on solar glass recycling. 72% of solar panels are composed of glass which CEM turns into cullet, blended glass, light-weight beads, and glass beads for special applications. CEM makes a point of recycling all parts of the solar panel, not just the glass, so that nothing ends up in the landfill.
Out of a desire to use business as a force for good, Creative Energies pursued a Benefit Corporation (B Corp) Certification in 2017. To maintain our B Corp status, we must re-certify every three years. As a company we scored 84.2 points in 2017 and 89.7 points in 2019. We are committed to improving our score in November of 2023.
EcoAct
EcoAct, an Eviden business, is an international climate consultancy and project developer that supports companies to set robust science-aligned net-zero strategies and achieve their climate targets. Founded in France in 2006, the company now spans three continents with offices in Paris, London, Barcelona, New York, Montréal, Munich, Milan and Kenya.
With a team of more than 360 international climate experts, EcoAct’s core purpose is to lead the way in delivering sustainable business solutions that deliver true value for both climate and client. EcoAct is a CDP Gold Partner, a founding member of ICROA, a strategic partner in the implementation of the Gold Standard for the Global Goals and reports to the UN Global Compact. To learn more, visit www.eco-act.com.
Ivory Foundation
In an ever-changing and drought-prone Utah, Ivory Homes recognizes the importance of creating sustainable water techniques in the many communities they influence and build. Ivory Homes is committed to water conservation through the implementation of the water-wise landscaping program Localscapes® in their homes throughout the state. By creatively arranging gathering areas, activity zones, paths, planting beds, and open spaces, as well as utilizing drought-resistant trees plants, and trees, water-wise landscaping creates effective space usage and beautiful yards that can save more than 60 percent of the water used in traditional Utah landscaping.
By the end of 2021, Ivory Homes will have implemented Localscapes® in more than 1,000 new homes, saving a critical 59 million gallons of water annually during a year of historic drought. Using Localscapes®, an Ivory homeowner will save an average of 56,000 gallons of water per year, a remarkable amount that will greatly benefit Utah and our water supply continuously throughout the years. Ivory Homes further aids state efforts to conserve water by installing WaterSense Certified and water-wise appliances such as toilets, faucets, and dishwashers in all their homes.
Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres
Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres has made significant strides towards sustainability. The examples below highlight ways small changes lead to substantial impact.
Light fixtures throughout all Megaplex buildings are being replaced with more efficient LED lights
HVAC improvements include enhanced air filters and automated timers for heating and cooling systems
Reduced waste and increased recycling at facilities by converting cooking oil into biodiesel fuel, installing Dyson Air Blade hand dryers in all restrooms, offering compostable drinking straws when available, and installing automated water shut-off on restroom sinks
Refillable packaging options replaced millions of disposable paper cups and popcorn tubs
Electronic ticketing is becoming more generally accepted by guests, reducing thousands of single-use paper movie tickets
Cashless transactions at the box office and concessions stands allows for more electronic banking resulting in fewer cash transfers in costly armored cars
Marriott Provo
Marriott Intl. has joined global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases (i.e. carbon emissions) due to their dramatic impact on our climate. One of our goals is to lessen the negative impacts of carbon emissions by committing to 30% carbon intensity reduction by 2025 (from a 2016 baseline).
Our hotel’s energy use is measured in kWhs divided by the total area of interior space. Conscious energy usage helps our property reduce carbon emissions by limiting its consumption of fossil fuels. While our monthly goal is 195.0 kWh (per sq. m.), the Provo Marriott Hotel is beating this goal by 2.9%, at a monthly average of 189.3 kWhs.
Projects that have helped us to achieve this goal include:
Installing LED lighting in guest rooms public space and motion detected lighting in offices and a majority of our meeting spaces
Completing an Elevator Modernization Project in 2021 in order to lower power consumption with modernized mechanical systems
Closing outdoor pool seasonally when not in use
Using timers on ice machines located on guest corridors
Installing motion detectors on thermostats in our North Tower guest rooms
Merrimack Capital
Merrimak is proud to be a WBENC certified woman-owned business. Our company Sustainability Goals include achieving carbon and water neutrality by 2030, maintaining zero waste-to-landfill in all end-of-life equipment practices, a robust annual impact giving program, and collectively achieving 10,000 hours of community service by 2030. We believe that we can drive innovation and growth in the global workforce while also addressing the most pressing climate issues our world faces. To date, Merrimak has diverted over 10,000 tons of equipment (the equivalent of 3,000 lift trucks) from landfills through refurbishment and recycling.
Momentum Recycling
Residential Food Waste Recycling Pilot Program
In our mission to help move the community towards zero waste, Momentum Recycling is conducting a free 3-month pilot program for residential food waste collection to select Salt Lake City residents from November 19th through February 4th. This program was limited to the first 100 eligible households and spots filled up quickly!
This pilot program is made possible thanks to the support of Intermountain Healthcare: their generous donation will help kickstart residential food waste diversion from the landfill to preserve the beauty of the Wasatch Front
Participants are provided with a purple curbside food waste bin which is collected every Friday during the duration of the pilot program.
Participants also are provided a 2.5-gallon kitchen caddy to conveniently collect food waste within their home.
In order to keep both the kitchen cady and curbside bin clean, participants are provided with BPI-Certified compostable caddy liners to bag food waste.
If the program is continued at the conclusion of the pilot program, the monthly service fee will be $20/month
P3 Utah
P3 Utah has been providing support to sustainable businesses since 2012. In that time, we have produced eight in person state business sustainability conferences and conducted several dozen best practice tours of area businesses. We have passed state laws to make Utah one of only a half dozen U.S. states and territories offering both benefit corporation and benefit LLC triple bottom line business registration. We promoted expanded incentives in purchasing and plan review for triple bottom line businesses in Salt Lake City. We also provide technical assistance and best practice information on our website.
Salt Lake City Sustainability Department
The Salt Lake City Sustainability Department develops goals and strategies to protect natural resources, reduce pollution, slow climate change, and establish a path toward greater resiliency and vitality for all aspects of the community. The Energy & Environment Division ensures that all municipal departments comply with all applicable environmental regulations—focusing specifically on Environmental Compliance, Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies, Air Quality, Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy, and Food Security. Select current programs and projects include the participation and leadership in the Utah 100 Communities program, energy benchmarking, Elevate Buildings, the Idle Free Ordinance, and local food programs such as the Resident Food Equity Advisors.
Salt Lake City’s e2 Business program
Learn more about the Salt Lake City Sustainability Department’s e2 Sustainable Business program here.
Swire Coca-Cola, USA
Swire Coca-Cola, USA’s 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy includes several inspiring commitments such as a Science Based Target of reducing 70% of Scope 1&2 emissions and 30% of Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions by 2030. They’ve also set goals of 100% renewable energy for core operations by 2026 and maintain a replenish rate of over 200% of the water they use in manufacturing operations through water restoration projects.
Learn more about Swire Coca-Cola’s sustainability strategy and the projects that support these goals here.
The Shop Workspace
The Shop Workspace is proud to say that we don’t take sustainability lightly. The primary achievement demonstrating this fact is taking home the title of the first carbon-neutral workspace in Salt Lake City. Through dynamic world-class design, The Shop has reset the bar for what a workspace can feel like without an adverse impact on the environment. We offer reusable dishware to keep single-use plastic low. On an ongoing basis, The Shop has invested in top-of-the-line technology to make it easier to connect and share information without printing additional copies or purchasing your own set of technology through shared amenity spaces as well as encouraging our member base to practice paper, plastic, and glass recycling. Additionally, The Shop is a proud partner with Wasteless Solutions, where we will donate any unused food product from events.
Summit Realty Professionals LLC
Buildings and homes are the second largest contributor to our poor air quality. This issue and ongoing drought conditions are a major concern for most people. With the population along the Wasatch Front projected to double in the next thirty years, we care about making a difference. Our GreenDoor Program offers a cash incentive to our clients for investing in a solar system, heat pump, xeriscaping, or electric vehicle when they buy a home with us. For homes valued at $500,000 or more, clients will receive $3,000; for homes valued below $500,000, clients will receive $2,000 from us for investing in approved items. The benefit doubles for clients that buy and sell their homes with us.
Energy and water efficient upgrades can be a significant investment for people, and it needs to make financial sense to be worthwhile. In addition to the incentive we offer our clients through the GreenDoor Program, we have secured additional discounts from local suppliers. When combined with potential Federal and State tax incentives, the GreenDoor Program will save our clients thousands of dollars and make energy and water efficiency more accessible for everyone. We intend for the benefits to be so positive that it wouldn’t make financial sense not to take advantage of the program.
Utah Clean Air (UCAIR)
Since 2019, the ShowUCAIR Gas Can Exchange program has successfully exchanged approximately 3,800 old gas cans resulting in emission reduction equivalent to taking nearly 680 cars off the road per day over the five-year-life span of the gas can (DAQ). The goal of the ShowUCAIR Gas Can Exchange program is to take the pre-EPA standard gas cans out of commission again and replace them with new, EPA-compliant gas cans for a cleaner, healthier Utah.
USANA Health Sciences
At USANA, we’ve built out a sustainability program that is in line with our mission, values, as well as the needs and concerns of all our stakeholders. It is of the utmost importance that our program contributes to creating the healthiest family on earth while staying true to our core values of health, community, integrity, and excellence. We believe the best way to achieve this is to concentrate on 3 key pillars: People, Planet, and Products. Within each of these pillars, there are focus areas in which we believe we can truly make an impact. The focus areas and our ambitions for each are broken out below.
PEOPLE
Employee health, safety, and well-being
Talent Management and Development
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Community Engagement
PLANET
Sustainable Packaging
Waste Management
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Management
PRODUCTS
Product Quality and Safety
Responsible Sourcing
Health and Nutrition
Waste Less Solutions
Waste Less Solutions is a nonprofit dedicated to the education, prevention and diversion of food waste in Utah. Wasted food in our landfills emits methane gas which is 23x worse for our environment than carbon dioxide. Waste Less Solutions was founded with the drive to reduce food waste in Utah to make a positive impact on the environment. We have adopted the UN’s goal of halving food waste by 2030.
Our goal is to have every food organization in Utah on our Food Rescue program donating edible surplus food whenever it’s available, rather than ending up in landfills. To date, through our food rescue program, we have rescued 600,000 pounds of food, which is the equivalent of 500,000 meals for individuals in need. These meals have come from caterers, cafeterias, small restaurants, food distributors, farmers markets as well as from backyard gardens. We partner with other nonprofits who support under-served individuals in our communities to distribute this food. We are the only organization of its kind in Utah and without us thousands of pounds of edible food would end up in the landfill.