Customer Profile: The Standard

Standard Insurance Company, also known as The Standard, has long been guided by a vision of supporting the community. The company increasingly seeks to balance and integrate business realities with a continued commitment to making the community a better place to live. The Standard became a renewable energy leader by signing on as a Sponsor-level supporter of PGE’s Clean Wind^SM product for medium to large businesses.   

Why did The Standard decide to purchase renewable power?

The Standard believes corporate responsibility is not just about business ethics and accountability; it is also about looking for opportunities to address the company’s impact on the environment. This includes saving energy, running their buildings more efficiently and minimizing costs. That’s why the company chose to support the PGE renewable power program with 100 percent Clean Wind at their Tanasbourne home office properties and 25 percent at their downtown Portland properties.

What are some of The Standard’s other “green” initiatives?

Furthering their commitment to sustainability, The Standard has installed a 28.5 kW photovoltaic system on their new building in the Tanasbourne area. Not only does the move make good environmental sense, it helps control costs by filling about 10 percent of the building's electricity needs and reducing the company's carbon footprint. It will also help the building earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification. Tax credits and incentives have reduced the simple payback period to just over 7.5 years.

The Standard recycles, including computers, and has installed high-efficiency light fixtures and motion detectors. Heating and cooling efficiency has been improved with variable speed motors. Non-toxic paints, adhesives and sealants, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and recycled copy paper are used whenever possible. Meanwhile, lighting upgrades and a switch to natural-gas-powered boilers have decreased energy consumption.

Finally, employees of The Standard have formed an informal group devoted to a shared interest in the environment. Called the Green Team, its purpose is to explore and provide opportunities for fellow employees to learn more about the economic and environmental benefits of sustainability. The Standard supports this group by providing space on the intranet to post information about recycling, conservation and sustainable practices.

Learn more about The Standard.