Clarus Technologies received its Green Star Award on November 20, 2006. Clarus Technologies, a subsidiary of Alaska Native Regional Corporation Koniag Inc., has three divisions. The Environmental Services Division is a consulting firm located in Eagle River with a full-time staff of 10. The division's work focuses mainly on NEPA planning, compliance assistance, cultural and natural resource management, site investigation and remediation, and environmental training. Clients include the Alaska Army National Guard, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of Anchorage, and others.

In line with its waste minimization efforts, the Eagle River office has instituted a wide variety of initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. These range from eliminating waste at the source through energy conservation and environmentally preferable purchasing, to ensuring that any waste that is generated is reused, recycled or disposed of properly. As a future goal, Clarus is looking at ways to carry its sustainability activities out to its field offices and camps.

Bbecause Clarus reuses all shipping materials, it has not purchased packaging products in two years. Employee desks are placed in the perimeter of the office to take advantage of natural lighting. And Clarus encourages employees to recycle at home by providing recycling information in the employee bulletin.

The efforts Clarus has undertaken to earn a Green Star are not just reflected in the steps it has taken in the Eagle River office. A unique aspect of Clarus Technologies is the products and services of its two other divisions that tie into the overall vision of doing business in a more sustainable fashion.

The Manufacturing Division, based in Bellingham, Washington, manufactures two products, both designed as pollution prevention technologies. One is the Oil Change Alternative Technology (OilCAT), designed to filter and recycle used oil. The second product is a parts washer that extends the life of organic solvents for years. In addition, the Naval Marine Services Division, located in Kodiak, flushes and changes the fluids on large Naval ships using a patented process that decreases the amount of waste generated at shipyards.

Together, with its products, services and in-house efforts, Clarus is helping conserve resources, save money, and work towards a sustainable future.