NCAT Corporate Sustainability

NCAT is an organization that champions sustainable solutions. As part of that effort, we are continually exploring ways to make our own operations more sustainable.

NCAT's sustainability efforts take form in many different ways—from corporate infrastructure improvement to individual staff members' actions. Photovoltaic panels allow the sun to help power the Butte headquarters building. Publications are printed on recycled paper. Company events use reusable, instead of disposable, plates and cups. In 2006 Montana's governor recognized NCAT with an EcoStar Award. The citation recognizes groups that minimize waste, maximize efficiency, and create a safer work environment.

In 2006 NCAT also hosted its first annual SustainabilityFEST at its Butte, Montana, headquarters. Hundreds of people who attended this free educational event enjoyed presentations, exhibits, entertainment, kids' activities, and product vendor booths. In conjuction with the SustainabilityFEST, NCAT worked with Staples and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to host Butte's first computer and electronic recycling event. This project helped people recycle more than nine tons of old computers and equipment. In 2007 NCAT, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and Butte-Silver Bow held a second electronics recycling event, accepting a wide variety of outmoded electronic equipment for recycling at nominal fees. NCAT's 2007 SustainabilityFEST offered audiences live music, local food, tours and demonstrations, kids' crafts with recycled materials, and presentations on community and farm sustainability.

Several models and measures are guiding NCAT in its efforts to enhance the organization's sustainability and encourage the individual sustainability commitments of staff members.

The Pledge—The Alliance for Climate Protection
The Alliance for Climate Protection asks people to sign an international 7-Point Pledge to solve the climate crisis, and offers tips on how to take action on the points of the pledge.

The Nature Challenge—The David Suzuki Foundation The David Suzuki Foundation has researched the 10 most effective ways we can help conserve nature.  The Nature Challenge asks that people pick at least three and promise to do them over the next year.

Turn the Tide—New American Dream
A program of nine simple actions each of us can take to have a measurable, positive impact on the environment, based on suggestions from leading scientists and experts in the field of conservation on what first steps they would ask Americans to take to reduce global warming, conserve water and energy, and save wildlife and forest habitats.

Carbon Footprint Calculator—ClimateStar.org
The SafeClimate carbon footprint calculator allows you to determine carbon dioxide emissions from major sources: home energy consumption and transportation by car and plane.