Fairbank Construction Company is the newest Distinguished Business in the Green. The Bainbridge Island firm has qualified for the highest participation level of recognition in Kitsap County’s Green Works program.

The firm did it by setting and meeting goals in the area of waste prevention, reusing, recycling and purchasing recycled materials.

Employing some 65 people in twelve locations in 5 counties represented a unique challenge in raising the “reduce, reuse and recycling” consciousness.

Appointing a staff Recycling Coordinator was an important first step. The program began with the office staff and ongoing monthly meetings with the 13 superintendents. “Our guys have been great They are committed and have creative innovative ideas for the process”, says Elaine Tanner, the company’s Recycling Coordinator.

Waste prevention activities on the construction side of the company include reuse of windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, landscape materials and topsoil. Wood scraps are available to employees and the community. The job sites recycle cardboard, metals, asphalt, concrete, wood, drywall, glass and plastic.

Subcontractors are encouraged to recycle waste as well. The company developed a checklist for waste prevention strategies used on each project. Fairbank is willing to share the checklist with any interested construction business.

One of Fairbank Construction’s tenants is Pegasus Coffee. Tanner realized that there had not been a provision for recycling of the milk jugs and ordered a recycling “green toter”. The net result is 3,000 milk jugs a year are staying out of the landfill. She also arranged for recycling of cardboard, office paper, newspaper, plastic, glass and metals in three commercial buildings totaling 20,000 square feet of office space. “We can make a difference. The ripple effect is huge. I simply ask people what they are doing about recycling. The results are amazing”, she said.

Fairbank Construction uses the Industrial Materials Exchange Catalogue (IMEX) to locate companies who are in need of surplus building materials, such as those generated from a current project converting old barracks into waterfront condominiums on Bainbridge Island.

For their outstanding efforts Fairbank will receive recognition through Green Works print advertisements, a ease study on the website (www.kitsapgov.com/sw), and a certificate recognition signed by a Kitsap County Commissioner.

All businesses in Kitsap County are eligible to apply for Green Works membership. For more information, or to get an IMEX brochure, call (360) 377-5777 or (800) 825-4940.