SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County has been selected as a recipient of a 2017 Green Supply Chain Award by the publication and website Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
The award recognizes companies and organizations that are making green or sustainability a core part of their supply chain strategy and working to achieve measurable sustainability goals within their own operations and supply chains.
The integration of sustainability into the operations of the county’s materials management division has resulted in cost savings and waste reduction benefits. From cardboard and plastic bags to pallets, manager Steve Thomas and his team are constantly looking for ways to reduce the number of disposable items being provided by suppliers and to find alternative uses for the items they do receive at the county’s warehouse.
“I am very proud of materials management’s commitment to sustainability in its daily business operations,” said General Services Director Jeff Lowdermilk. “This effort is indicative of the focus across the department to ensure everyone is involved in continuous improvement initiatives.”
This isn’t the first time Thomas and his team have been recognized for their efforts. The materials management team received the county’s Sustainability STAR of the Year award in 2016 for its comprehensive commitment to sustainability innovation. The team is also certified as a Sarasota County Green Business Partner, having implemented improvement strategies in the areas of energy, water and waste reduction.
“Sustainability isn’t just a lofty goal we are trying to achieve as a community,” said Lee Hayes Byron, the county’s sustainability manager. “It’s something we put into practice every day throughout our organization, and this latest award reflects how Sarasota County is leading by example.”
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.