Salem-Keizer Transit (Cherriots), Salem, OR, recently received two awards recognizing its sustainability efforts: the 2014 Mid-Valley Green Award—Sustainable Large Business of the Year, presented by Marion County Public Works Environmental Services, and the 2013-2014 Outstanding Special District Program Award from the Special Districts Association of Oregon.

The Mid-Valley Green Award recognizes organizations and individuals in the community who are leading the way in sustainable practices and innovations.

Environmental Services evaluated several areas of sustainable business practices for each nominee, including recycling, reusing items, reducing waste, reducing energy use, conserving water, and protecting area streams from on-site pollutants.

“Salem-Keizer Transit has really been thoughtful in the way they are spending taxpayer dollars to save money, reduce waste, and also protect the environment, all at the same time,” said Alan Pennington, Environmental Services waste reduction coordinator.

The Special Districts Association of Oregon presented its honor to Cherriots for the agency’s creation of the sustainably designed Keizer Transit Center. Salem-Keizer Transit received the award within the category “Districts with 26 or More Employees.”