A Herrera aquatic scientist samples the water quality of Piper's Creek in Carkeek Park.

Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.

The winner of this year's new green-collar category is a Seattle-based consulting firm where "environmental" is literally their middle name. From local studies to ambitious global projects, their efforts on behalf of the Earth are glowing green. They're responsible for the environmental impact statement that was behind the city's proposed plastic bag fee earlier this year. They also did technical analyses to develop a city incentives package to encourage green measures such as rain gardens, green roofs and tree planting. In Oregon, the company is working on establishing standards of certification for farms, residences and golf courses that are salmon-safe. They've even taken their efforts to China, where Herrera's engineers are working on water quality, industrial practices, sustainable development and helping the Chinese implement good environmental standards. Naturally, their employees walk the walk as well. Ninety percent of the staff takes an alternative form of transportation to the office, and as one employee proudly exclaims, "Our compost bins are overflowing!"

Other top finalists*

• 3Tier
• Berger Partnership
• DNV Global Energy Concepts
• O'Brien & Company
• Optimum Energy
• PCC Natural Markets
• Paladino
• Puget Sound Energy
• Sunergy Systems
• Verdiem

*Listed in alphabetical order