Smart Resource Use
We believe in the “4 R’s”:
Reduce our environmental footprint.
Reuse what’s left over and avoid single-use products.
Recycle by diverting recyclables we can’t reuse from landfills.
Return resources and support to the community, our employees and the earth.
Responsible and efficient resource use, and the protection of our shared environment, are priorities at Standing Stone. Here are some highlights:
Energy Use: Leaner & Greener
Because of energy-saving improvements we have made, the Oregon Department of Energy has called Standing Stone a leader in restaurant energy conservation.
Our heat exchange recovery unit routes waste heat from brewing and refrigeration to pre-heat water, yielding a cool 10 percent energy savings.
An adjustable, louvered awning above our back deck limits our concrete building’s absorption of the sun’s heat. This reduces our air-conditioning use during Ashland’s warm summers without blocking diners’ views.
We installed an innovative energy management system to coordinate operation and increase the efficiency of our heating, cooling and lighting systems.
We have an energy-saving variable-speed hood control system in the kitchen. This saves 22 percent of our natural gas and electricity combined, compared to standard restaurant fan systems that run at full speed consistently, affecting other energy systems and creating noise.
Through our “RPM” program, we give employees free bikes if they agree to commute 45 times annually, saving significant fuel, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Our employees stay healthy and happy, too. Nearly 40 employees are participating.
Resource Conservation and Zero Waste
We reduce waste to landfill by 75% thanks to our employees’ dedicated efforts to sort recyclables and compost, and finding outlets for materials local recyclers wouldn’t take.
Our kitchen has a high-temperature dishwasher that reduces the amount of water and chemicals needed for rinsing and sanitation.
Each month, we provide approximately 50 gallons of used vegetable oil to local biodiesel producers to reuse for fuel.
We use high-power air dryers in our restrooms, eliminating single-use paper towels to save forests and waste.
Our to-go containers are made of 100% renewable and home-compostable materials. We encourage you to compost them after use to help close the loop. Even better, bring a reusable container from home.
Serving Up Sustainability
Our craft beers and delicious food and drinks are infused with health and environmental consciousness, offering the best for everyone. We seek to use local, regional and organic ingredients as much as possible, and support farms that use humane animal care practices. Learn more about our sustainable food & beverage efforts.
Partnerships
We’ve made many gains thanks to some great partners. We’re part of the City of Ashland Green Business Program, which has provided audits, metrics and support to improve our resource efficiency, environmental impact and costs. Fellow members like the Ashland Food Cooperative also share ideas and inspiration.
We worked with SOLARC Architecture and Engineering, Inc. on a facility-wide audit to identify ways reduce our energy demand and generate renewable energy. Several recommended improvements have already been implemented, which cut our natural gas use by approximately 40 percent and reduced our electricity use notably as well.
Each year, we participate in the Bicycle Transportation Alliance’s “Bike Commute Challenge,” and Go Rogue Valley’s “Bike to Work Week,” and use their resources to advance two-wheeled transit among employees and our community. We’re also part of the League of American Bicycles’ Bike Friendly Business program (Silver level).
Learn more
