The Standard Gets a Charge out of Sustainability
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PORTLAND, OR--February 14, 2012: Portland-based insurance and financial services provider The Standard is focusing on the future by hosting three Blink® electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in a downtown Portland parking garage that serves employees and the public. The project is part of a federal study by the U.S. Department of Energy called The EV Project and is paid for in part by a public-private partnership that is managed by ECOtality.
“Participating in The EV Project offers The Standard an exciting and cost effective opportunity to stay on the leading edge of emerging clean and green technologies”
The study aims to accelerate the development and production of various electric drive vehicle systems. As a participant in the study, The Standard has partnered with ECOtality to install three Blink Level 2 EV charging stations in The Standard Plaza garage located at 1100 SW Sixth Avenue. In addition to benefiting employees, any EV owner needing to park in downtown Portland can take advantage of the new amenity.
"Participating in The EV Project offers The Standard an exciting and cost effective opportunity to stay on the leading edge of emerging clean and green technologies," said Carrie Hearne, sustainability manager at The Standard. "The world is changing around us and electric vehicles are quickly emerging into the mainstream market. In addition to reducing carbon and tailpipe emissions, we're pleased to meet the increasing demand for alternative commuting options by our tenants, employees and downtown shoppers."
ECOtality is the project manager of The EV Project and will oversee the installation of commercial and residential charging stations in 18 major metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia.
"The Standard is an ideal partner and participant for The EV Project," stated Rich Feldman, ECOtality Area Manager for Oregon and Washington. "They are early adopters and realize the relevance and importance of installing EV charging stations for their customer base and the Portland community. It is a true testament to their commitment to sustainability, and we are excited to partner with them in making this step towards mass EV adoption."
This installation project is the most recent of many sustainability initiatives at The Standard. The building in which these charging stations are installed is certified through the U.S. Green Building Council program for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) at the Gold level. In addition, The Standard has a LEED Gold certified building at its Tanasbourne campus in Hillsboro, Ore., where solar panels, day lighting systems and other energy efficient measures are reducing the company's environmental footprint and lowering operating expenses. The Standard purchases renewable energy through Portland General Electric's Clean Wind® program and has committed to other sustainable practices such as paper reduction, recycling, active transportation and environmental stewardship in the community.
About The Standard
The Standard is a leading provider of financial products and services, including group and individual disability insurance, group life, AD&D, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans products and services, individual annuities and investment advice. For more information about The Standard, visit Standard Insurance.
The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries: Standard Insurance Company, Inc., The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York, Inc., Standard Retirement Services, Inc., StanCorp Mortgage Investors, Inc., StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., StanCorp Real Estate, LLC. and StanCorp Equities, Inc.
