Award Recipients S-U
SQA Grand Prize, 2009
Since its founding in1942 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Saint John's Health Center has developed a national reputation as an exceptional place for health and healing. They have 340 licensed beds and 228 inpatient staffed beds. They served 164,000 outpatients and treated 31,109 patients in the Emergency Room last year. Saint John's is committed to social, economic and environmental sustainability. They provided clinical training sites for 57 nursing students last year and improved their nurse retention practices resulting in 1 million dollars in savings. They provide on-site child care and opportunities for staff to perform community service. They support local non-profits and provide in-kind services to local clinics. They provided more than 3.9 million dollars in community benefits last year. They have a co-gen facility that produces 95% of the power for the Chan Soon-Shiong building. They save 300,000 gallons of water daily by recycling wastewater from their HVAC. They recycle more than 150 tons of paper and 96 tons of cardboard annually. They have also donated 8 hospital beds to a clinic in Africa which provided the clinic with much needed beds and kept 1.5 tons of waste out of the landfill.
Excellence in Social Responsibility, 2008
Salesforce.com provides on-demand customer relationship management (CRM) systems by delivering innovative technology making it easy to share and manage business information. They encourage employees to take four hours paid volunteer time each month. Salesforce.com has a concept called "1/1/1" model, developed by their President/CEO, whereby the company contributes 1% of profits, 1% equity, and 1% of employee hours back to the communities it serves. Recently, and additional "1%" was added to include the concept of "One with the Earth".
Excellence Award in Stewardship of the Natural and Built Environment, 2001
Sanford-Papermate (formerly the Gillette Company Stationery Products Group) manufactures ball-point pens, felt tip pens, markers and pencils under the Papermate brand name at its facility in Santa Monica. The facility employs approximately 700 full-time employees and has been in operation since 1957. The company has reduced hazardous emissions at the facility by 98% since 1987, and has eliminated ozone-depleting compounds and other chemicals from its manufacturing process. The facility has increased energy efficiency 40% and water efficiency 51% since 1990 and is pursuing an additional 7% reduction in electricity use for 2001. An in-house waste reduction program targets plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, computers, steel, wood, construction materials, oil and packaging for reuse or recycling. Papermate has received numerous environmental awards including the Clean Air Award from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, WRAP awards from the California Integrated Waste Management Board for waste reduction every year since 1994, and WRAP of the Year in 1998 for being one of the State’s 10 top recycling facilities.
Special Recognition, 1996
[No additional information at this time]
Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment, 2009
Santa Monica College (SMC), founded in 1929, is a public two-year community college. It is a leader among the state's 110 community colleges in transferring students to the University of California, UCLA, USC and Loyola Marymount. SMC has a Center for Environmental and Urban Studies, recently renovated to incorporate green building materials, so students and community members can learn how to reduce their environmental impact and lead a more sustainable lifestyle. SMC partners with local non-profit, Sustainable Works, to offer students extra credit by participating in an extra curricular Environmental workshop. SMC is also a state leader in recycling – highlighted by their outstanding large scale vermiculture (worm) recycling program that collects pre-consumer food waste and cardboard. The castings are utilized on campus as fertilizer and pesticide. In 2008, SMC recycled 2.8 tons of food waste. Through a partnership with the District, Associated Students, and the Big Blue Bus the College offers free transportation to all students, faculty and staff via the Any Line, Any Time program.
Excellence Award, 1997
[No additional information at this time]
Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center
Excellence Award in Economic Development, 1999; Sustainable Quality Award, 2003
After 73 year of operation, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center remains economically strong through its strategy of investing in the needs of community members. They have created programs thoughtfully targeted to the needs of specific groups, including the Tender Care Doula program for in-home assistance to new mothers. Low cost mammography and osteoporosis screening, and other discounted services, are available to the uninsured. Healthcare 50 Plus and Senior Suppers address the needs of senior citizens. Their Rape Treatment Center is nationally known and provides prevention education to schools throughout Los Angeles. Employment practices include progressive benefits packages and employee reward and feedback programs. Among their environmental accomplishments, they implemented a chemical waste reduction program that has reduced their medical waste by 45% in just two years.
Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment, 2011
Schaffer's Genuine Foods provides Southern California with event catering services ranging from intimate dinners to large galas. Examples of their excellent Reduce and Recycle "close the loop" practices are: converting waste grease into biofuel via Further Products – who converts the by‐product of the biofuel, glycerin, into hand soaps, lotions and candles. Schaffer’s then buys back the glycerin products! They strive to send zero waste to landfills, currently diverting 80‐90% of waste amounting to nearly 15,000 pounds per year. They set up recycling and composting stations at all events – using only compostable food service containers (including paper straws and coffee stirrers) and utensils. By working with farmers, purveyors and suppliers, they work out strategies to limit the use of single use products. Schaffer's Genuine Foods makes every effort to source all food and supplies locally. By creating menus that are seasonal, approximately 70% of the food served comes from within 200 miles of Los Angeles. Environmental responsibility is an integral part of Schaffer’s company policy – offering reduced prices for environmental, social and fundraising events.
Honorable Mention, 2003; Excellence Award in Stewardship of the Natural and Built Environment, 2004
[No additional information at this time]
Excellence in Social Responsibility and Stewardship of the Natural Environment
Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica unites sustainable business practices with a contemporary hotel design aesthetic. The Kor Hotel Group's "Second Nature" mission laid the tracks for achieving Green Business Certification in 2008 (www.smgbc.org). Noteworthy retrofits include replacing standard landscape sprinklers with a 'Rain Bird' drip irrigation system. The Delfina is one of the first luxury hotels on the west coast to pioneer a non-toxic electrolyzed water cleaning agent made from tap water and salt. Integrated Pest Management strategies benefit indoor air quality. Their "Make a Green Choice" linen program exceeds other luxury hotels – offering guests financial incentives for opting-out of housekeeping services. Delfina strives to recruit local employees and has partnered with the Ocean Park and Pico Neighborhood Association to find qualified residents. Delfina is engaged in the Chamber’s Government and Environmental Affairs Committee, provides in-kind services and donates to numerous non-profits like Sustainable Works, Meals on Wheels and AIDS Lifecycle.
Southern California Disposal and Recycling Company
Special Recognition, 1996
[No additional information at this time]
Honorable Mention, 2004
Step Up on Second, a non-profit serving individuals with mental illnesses, print their newsletters on recycled content paper using soy- based ink. They purchase fresh produce from local markets for their in-house meals and catering program and have comprehensive recycling and composting programs. Efficient lighting and water saving devices are installed facility wide.
Studio of Environmental Architecture
Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment, 2009
The work of David Hertz, FAIA, Architects Inc, and S.E.A., (Studio of Environmental Architecture), focuses on the design and construction of environmentally responsible residential and commercial buildings. David Hertz, FAIA, LEED AP, founded the practice in 1983 as Syndesis where he developed the material Syndecrete®. Studio of Environmental Architecture has particular experience in the practice and incorporation of sustainable and resource efficient design principles in its built work. S.E.A.'s office uses 40% less energy than an average office its size. Integrated energy efficient design like dimmable electronic fluorescent fixtures and occupancy (motion) sensors, ensure lights used at minimum. Green building highlights include a "green" roof with drought tolerant succulent plants and solar panels. Other sustainable business operations range from recycling some construction and demolition waste locally -via neighboring plumbing supply store- and promoting alternative transportation by storing an electric bicycle onsite for employee use.
Sustainable Quality Award, 1998
[No additional information at this time]
SQA Grand Prize, 2009; Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment and Economic Development, 2008
Taxi! Taxi! is the largest, oldest, locally-owned and operated taxicab company in Santa Monica, serving the city's finest hotels, restaurants, businesses, residents and visitors for over eighteen years. In 2007, Taxi! Taxi! was the first cab company in LA County to debut Hybrid cabs and remains the leader in the LA market with the largest fleet, now 10 strong. Taxi! Taxi's Hybrids save over 700 tons of toxic GHGs from polluting our planet and over 60,000 gallons of gasoline annually. The brilliant and efficient paperless dispatching system saves close to one million pieces of paper annually. Taxi! Taxi! demonstrates its commitment to Santa Monica's Sustainable City Plan by maintaining local headquarters in Santa Monica, shopping locally, actively participating in community events, and supporting many local non-profits, namely its title charity the Westside Food Bank. Each Taxi! Taxi! employee is currently enrolled in University course(s) to improve skill sets which ultimately strengthens business operations. Employees also enjoy flex time schedules, health benefits, paid vacation, and work from home options when feasible.
Trader Joe's - Store #6
Excellence Award, 2000; Excellence Award in Sustainable Economic Development and Social Responsibility, 2001
Trader Joe’s Store #6 opened its doors at 3215 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica in October 1998. Trader Joe’s provides a variety of premium foods and household products, including organic foods and a selection of environmentally friendly products such as personal care items and recycled paper products. Over 90% of shoppers come from Santa Monica or zip codes immediately adjacent, keeping local dollars in the local economy. The store attracts over 2000 customers per day and has generated spillover business for nearby enterprises on the Pico corridor. Trader Joe’s is an active participant in the Pico Improvement Organization, a business/resident organization working to resolve problems facing residents and businesses along Pico, and has taken a leading role in creating the Pico Boulevard Business Improvement District. The store donates food to the Second Harvest Food Bank and donates product and staff time to a variety of local events and charities. Employees receive competitive wages and benefits and work in an enjoyable team atmosphere. Visit Trader Joe’s Store #6 at 3215 Pico Boulevard. For more information contact Jim Stebbinger at 310 445-9062.
Special Recognition, 1996
[No additional information at this time]
Unitarian Universalist Community Church
Excellence in Social Responsibility & Stewardship of the Natural Environment, 2010
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC) had SoCal Edison perform an energy audit in 2007 and completed Sustainable Works Business Greening Program in 2008. They installed reflective film on the office windows and replaced more than 50 incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights. Their energy bill decreased from 2,166 kWh per month to 1980 kWh – a 9% decrease. To prevent pollutive runoff into the ocean, they installed 3 cisterns on their patio. UUCC performs remodels using Santa Monica’s Green Building Guidelines. They are reusing materials such as floors, doors and furniture. They post weekly green tips in their announcements and offer a range of adult education classes throughout the year. Additionally, they hosted three Green Living Workshops funded by the City of Santa Monica and provided by Sustainable Works. A portion of their Sunday Service collection plate goes to a different charity each week. UUCC donated $250 to TreePeople for a grove of 20 trees and members attended a tree planting event in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Sustainable Quality Award, 2006
Unurban Coffeehouse is one of the last cafes and community driven social houses in Santa Monica that retains its bohemian theme. They have been in their Pico location for over 12 years. They incorporate organics into their entire menu of homemade meals as well as their hot and cold beverages. They also fulfill community needs by allowing use of the Unurban for meeting or party spaces and support local artists through theater and open mike nights. They support the local economy by purchasing supplies and staff gifts from neighboring Pico businesses.
Sustainable Quality Award, 2005
Established in 1989, Urth Caffé only purchases coffee from farmers that pay workers a fair wage, practice biodynamic agriculture and grow organically. Procurement policies also include natural and/or certified organic teas and food items, unbleached recycled paper products and printing with soy inks. Urth Caffé strategically built on an empty lot in the less-developed part of Main Street, with the aim to help strengthen the local business economy. They have an advanced solar energy system which exclusively powers their hot water heater and feeds back into the main power grid. They cover costs for staff that commute using public transportation. By paying above minimum wage, offering health insurance, vacation time and profit sharing, they boast an extremely low staff turnover. They are leaders in their industry; demonstrating that implementing sustainable practices leads to a successful business.