Cagwin & Dorward Landscape Contractors

Beginning in 2007, Cagwin & Dorward sought to reduce it's carbon footprint with regards to CO2 emissions by 10%. The plan was to review and benchmark our 2006 use of Fuel, Kilowatts and Therms, then develop processes and change behaviors to address consumption.

After compiling our 2006 consumption data, we tracked energy use throughout 2007. To see the use reduction realized by adopting better work practices, a spreadsheet was developed to monitor each energy source. At year-end, we reduced overall energy usage by 15% from 2006.

In 2008, we continued our aspirations to reduce an additional 10%. Expecting this to be more difficult, we enlisted members from each facility to target improvements specific to their locations. These "Eco-Ambassadors" addressed energy wasting issues from weather stripping and filter cleaning to coordinating lighting improvements with PG&E.

By December end 2008, Cagwin & Dorward successfully reduced energy consumption by an additional 8% from 2007. Therefore, our energy saving efforts allowed us to reduce overall consumption by 23% since 2006!

FUEL (Gasoline & Diesel): Every gallon of gasoline burned produces 19.56 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere. During combustion, carbon combines with the oxygen in the air and creates a heavier gas - CO2. CO2 stays in the atmosphere for about 100 years.

We must consider:

Are individual car trips necessary or can they be combined with other errands?
Do you leave your engine idling unnecessarily?
Do you accelerate slow and steady?
When stopping for traffic lights, is it planned for by well timed deceleration?

KILOWATTS (Electricity): Many different energy resources are utilized in the generation of electricity. For P.G. & E. customers in California, Natural Gas makes up the largest provider, followed by Nuclear & Large Hydroelectric generators. About a half again as much is produced from a combination of renewable sources such as Biomass/waste, Geothermal, Small Hydroelectric, Solar and Wind. Since 2006, the use of Coal to generate electricity P.G. & E. publishes this information in its, Power Content Label, and provides a copy to customers frequently with their monthly statement.

THERMS (Natural Gas & Propane): Natural Gas is also sent directly to the consumer for uses such as heating, cooking and various home appliance applications. Customers are primarily residential with commercial use prevalent in certain industries.

Becoming Part of the Solution ... GO! Team

GO! - 10% Company Wide Reduction