Best in the West Safety leads by example—protecting workers while also protecting the planet. As a woman-owned workplace safety training and consulting company, they’ve built sustainability into their operations for decades, earning recognition as a Nevada Green Business Innovator, the program’s highest certification level.
“Start now—don’t delay. Your savings begin the moment you make the upgrades.”
—Diane Hale, CEO, Best in the West Safety
Their approach proves that environmental stewardship doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be intentional.
Sustainability in Action
Best in the West Safety operates out of a highly efficient building designed to minimize energy and water use. Over the years, CEO Diane Hale and her team have implemented a wide range of best practices that deliver real, measurable results.
Lighting was one of their earliest and most impactful upgrades. Old T12 fluorescent fixtures were replaced with high-efficiency LEDs, reducing lighting energy use by more than 75%. The system is paired with occupancy sensors, motion and heat sensors, and daylighting controls, ensuring lights automatically turn off when spaces are unoccupied.
They’ve also invested in ENERGY STAR® appliances and equipment, electric point-of-use hot water heaters, and comprehensive water-saving upgrades—including motion sensor faucets and low or ultra-low toilets and urinals—dramatically reducing overall consumption.
Outside, they’ve installed xeriscape landscaping and planted native cacti and drought-tolerant bushes listed on the SNWA “bulletproof” Regional Plant List. These plants only rely on rain events and receive no additional water from irrigation.
“It’s been eight years since we switched to LEDs, and we’ve yet to change a lightbulb. We’re now paying less than 20% of what the prior owner paid for water and power—and the decision has paid off fantastically.”
—Diane Hale
These proactive strategies not only lower the company’s environmental footprint—they help preserve vital natural resources for future generations.
Everyday Choices That Add Up
Sustainability at Best in the West Safety extends well beyond infrastructure. Daily operations prioritize health, safety, and environmental responsibility through careful purchasing and waste reduction.
The company purchases cleaning products, building maintenance products, and hand soaps with GreenGuard, Green Seal, Ecologo, or EPA Safer Choice certifications. Alcohol-based disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers are used where appropriate, while microfiber towels and water handle general cleaning to reduce chemical and paper waste.
Paper use has been significantly reduced, but for any necessary paper products (e.g. toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, copy paper), Best in the West Safety looks for FSC certification, unbleached and/or processed chlorine-free (PCF) labels, and 80-100% post-consumer waste recycled content.
Community Impact
As a Nevada Green Business Innovator, Best in the West Safety demonstrates leadership beyond the office space by actively investing in the community and engaging employees in meaningful service.
The company supports at least two local nonprofits each year, donating time, resources, and expertise to causes selected by employees. In fact, team members are encouraged to volunteer a minimum of eight hours annually, with a strong focus on workforce development—including educating future construction and mining professionals about careers in safety and environmental services. Annual efforts commonly include participation in Nevada Contractors Association Construction Career Day, food preparation and sorting at Four Square Food Bank, and supporting local students through Project 150 with clothing and school supply drives.
Best in the West Safety also plans to install a solar carport to provide shaded parking for employees while generating clean electricity. The project will help the business reach net-zero energy use, with surplus power returned to NV Energy’s grid to support broader community benefits—including offsetting electricity use for low-income families.
Why Certification Matters
Becoming Nevada Green Certified at the Innovator level signals a deep, authentic commitment to sustainability. For Diane, certification isn’t about appearances—it’s about accountability and leadership.
Nevada Green Businesses also qualify for rebates, and Best in the West Safety was awarded an NVGBN Small Business Grant that offset the cost of new energy-efficient window film and installation (learn more about our 2026 rebate program here). They also received a free EV charging station, which will soon be paired with the new solar carport—something employees had long hoped for.
“This certification shows our clients that we don’t give lip service to protecting our children’s future. Saving the world is achievable for every business.”
—Diane Hale
A Model for Others
Best in the West Safety’s journey shows that meaningful environmental action is possible at any scale. Their advice to other business owners is simple: don’t wait. The sooner improvements are made, the sooner the savings—and environmental benefits—begin.
Written by Erica Gallegos, Green Business Program Coordinator
Western Nevada College
Nevada Green Business Network
