Landscape Construction - Environmentally Centric Strategies

Green, Sustainable, Organic (GSO)

Created and advocated by:     Loren Griswold, Account Manager
                                                Kurt Heitmeyer, Construction Project Manager
                                                Jacob Voit, Sustainability Manager

Summary -

Environmental strategies were implemented in several 2006-2007 Cagwin & Dorward construction projects. Green, Sustainable, Organic (GSO) opportunities were identified and integrated as part
of the construction department’s installation process.

Creating and advocating construction's GSO practices were largely driven from awareness generated by Peak Oil & Global Warming discussions at Stillwater 2006 and individual passions for the environmental movement.

GSO practices and strategies are either offered as a value added product & service or offered at no cost where it is identified that implementing such efficiencies will contribute to our profitability. These projects are some of our strongest financial performers.

Guidelines & Criteria -

GSO practice guidelines & criteria are influenced by:

the 5R principles outlined in Julia Butterfly Hill’s book "One Makes the Difference"-
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Rethink & Respect
re-generative and sustainable landscape practices championed by the Permaculture community.
design and construction guidelines published by Bay Friendly Landscape Practices at Stopwaste.org
availability of organic products which are strongly advocated as an option when opportunities arise.

Sample Project Specific Strategies -

Industrial/Office Building @ Hamilton Landing, Novato CA

Re-specified and converted design from over-head irrigation to drip irrigation
Eliminated turf and replaced with native, low maintenance, water conserving plants
Pilot test Evapotranspiration (ET) Water Controller (Customer has purchased 2 additional to upgrade site)
3” of recycled mulch to reduce ET

Residence, Oakland CA

Organic topsoil imported
Zero chemicals used (herbicides, fertilizers etc.)
Edible Landscaping included (fruit trees & vegetables incorporated throughout the entire landscape)
Terraced hillside with chemical free redwood lumber and recycled steel I-Beams
Recycled plant pots, boxes and wood fence lumber to local community contractors operating at nearby properties
Designed, specified and installed a low water irrigation system with ET controllers
Planting and grading practices reduced water waste and run-off, increasing water penetration and efficiency
Utilized organic integrated pest management treatments (Corn gluten for weed control & lady bugs for rose aphids)

Residence, Santa Rosa CA

Native and drought tolerant plant pallet
Drip irrigation programmed for cycle soaking to reduce ET
Organic mulch and compost supplied by local supplier
Zero chemicals used (herbicides and fertilizer)
Crew members lived locally and ride shared to project
Planting and grading practices reduced water waste and run-off, increasing water penetration and efficiency
Pervious paving (flagstone set in sand) and swales through planting areas improved water return to the ground

Shopping Center @ Cal Trans Row

Zero chemical used in demolition of ice plant - Team learning conversation led to strategy for clearing 160 cubic yards (cyds.) of ice plant from site to a green waste recycle facility.
270 cyds. of project demolition waste estimated for off haul to a landfill 70 miles away. Instead, one 30 yard dumpster load, to a local facility, was the net off haul.
Recycled existing river cobbles into the new landscape & steel pipe, poles and fence materials to local steel fabricator.
Solar powered controller re-specified into project
Soil amendment of organic compost & organic corn gluten pre-emergent was used
Re-used left over irrigation parts and minimized new PVC purchases
Employees ride shared

Looking Forward -

Our current successes in GSO practices are a solid first step in a larger strategy to be a more dynamic and leading organization regarding the environment. Education and advocacy regarding sound environmentally centered strategies will strengthen our company’s position to meet and excel in an uncertain future. Shared learning by all parts of the organization of these experiences will further enhance the Cagwin & Dorward brand as a leader in GSO practices.

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