SEATTLE, WASH. — Portland-based Elephants Delicatessen was honored for its dedication to conserving energy by the Environmental Protection Agency. Specifically, it was lauded for its use of effective energy-management practices and innovative efficiency solutions in its buildings.

Elephants Delicatessen uses 100% wind power produced by Northwest wind farms to power its 9,000 square-foot flagship store and 13,000 square-foot commissary. This purchase of clean-wind power offsets 426 tons of carbon dioxide annually from the environment, which can be compared to removing 71 cars from the road for one year or removing 53.7 homes from the electric grid for one year, according to the E.P.A.

The company also switched over to energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, which resulted in 50% lighting cost savings. It also purchases Energy Star qualified products when the lifespan of existing equipment expires.

Both staff and customers are educated on Elephants Delicatessen’s green energy initiatives, and the company uses a box-lunch container for all its catering and take-out that is 100% biodegradable, compostable or uses fully-recycled content.

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