At The Greener Good, we recognize the tremendous value that well-maintained landscapes bring to our communities. Beautiful, healthy landscapes offer a range of benefits, from improving property aesthetics and increasing real estate value to enhancing mental well-being and providing natural habitats for wildlife. Moreover, green spaces contribute to air purification, stormwater management, and cooling urban environments, making them essential components of a sustainable future.
However, like many industries, the landscape sector has traditionally relied on practices that contribute to carbon emissions, which are one of the primary drivers of climate change. Our company is committed to reducing our carbon footprint by operating in a way that not only enhances the positive effects of landscapes but also minimizes their environmental impact. The goal is to achieve carbon-neutral operations and lead the way in sustainable landscape management.
This white paper outlines the specific steps we are taking to reduce carbon emissions from our operations and explains how we are investing in carbon offset programs to neutralize any emissions we cannot eliminate. Our approach ensures that every service we provide contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.
Reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions
Our path to carbon neutrality focuses on addressing Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) emissions, which we can control through our operations.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions from Vehicles and Equipment
Scope 1 emissions come from the fuel used in our vehicles and landscaping equipment. To reduce these emissions, we have implemented the following strategies:
- All-Electric Equipment: All of our gas-powered landscaping tools, including mowers, blowers, and trimmers, are electric models. This eliminates emissions from fuel combustion, one of the largest sources of carbon output in the landscape industry.
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Our fleet of vehicles will be electric and hybrid models wherever possible, significantly reducing emissions from transportation.
- Larger Trucks: Electric alternatives for larger trucks are still developing, making the range in which we can drive them challenging. Therefore, we will have a mixed fleet of gas and electric and will be tracking emissions from these vehicles and offsetting them through carbon reduction programs.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Energy Use
Scope 2 emissions arise from the electricity we use to power our facilities and operations. Here’s how we are minimizing these emissions:
- Renewable Energy Sourcing: We have partnered with David Energy to ensure that the electricity powering our operations comes from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.
- Energy-Efficient Upgrades: We have invested in energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting and modern HVAC systems, which reduce electricity consumption across our facilities.
Offsetting Remaining Emissions
While we are working hard to reduce our emissions, some emissions are unavoidable. To achieve carbon neutrality, we are investing in carbon assets through our charitable arm, The Greener Good Foundation. This foundation will fund projects that contribute to global carbon reduction efforts while supporting our mission of giving back to the community and the planet.
Our carbon asset investment strategy includes:
- Reforestation Projects: Supporting tree-planting initiatives that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Renewable Energy Investments: Contributing to renewable energy projects that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Carbon Capture: Supporting emerging technologies that capture and store carbon directly from the atmosphere.
By investing in these carbon assets through The Greener Good Foundation, we ensure that our operations are not only carbon neutral but also make a meaningful impact on global sustainability efforts.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At The Greener Good, our mission is to provide top-quality landscape services while doing our part to fight climate change. By achieving carbon neutrality through reducing emissions and investing in carbon offsets via our foundation, we aim to lead by example and demonstrate that sustainability can be achieved in the landscape industry without compromising service quality.
We are proud of the steps we are taking to make The Greener Good a carbon-neutral operation, and we will continue to innovate and evolve to ensure that our services positively impact both our clients and the environment. While some may question the importance of addressing climate change, we encourage an open and informed dialogue.
For those interested in learning more about the common misconceptions surrounding the true environmental impact of going electric, we recommend reading our blog post titled “Electric vs Gas: Does It Really Reduce Environmental Impact?” where we address these issues with evidence-based insights.
