Cagwin & Dorward Landscape Contractors

Green, Sustainable, Organic (GSO)

Created and advocated by:     Kurt Heitmeyer, Construction Project Manager
                                                Jacob Voit, Construction Foremen
                                                Loren Griswold, Construction Foremen Trainee
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 5 R’s principles outlined in Julie 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:

Hanger 8 @ 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 ET Water controller (Customer has purchased 2 additional for site as an upgrade)
3” of recycled mulch for improved ET.

Holden Residence, Oakland CA

Organic import topsoil & Zero chemicals used (herbicides, fertilizers etc.)
Edible Landscaping (Fruit trees, vegetables, incorporated throughout the entire landscape)
Terraced hillside veggie garden 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 that reduced water waste and run-off. Increased water penetration and efficiency.
Utilized organic integrated pest management treatments (Corn gluten for weed control & lady bugs for roses)

Werdel Residence, Santa Rosa CA

Native and drought tolerant plant pallet
Drip Irrigation and programmed for cycle soaking to reduce ET.
Organic mulch and compost supplied by local supplier
Zero chemicals (herbicides and fertilizer)
Local crews and ride sharing
Planting and grading practices that reduced water waste and run-off. Increased water penetration and efficiency.
Pervious paving (flagstone set in sand) and swales through planting areas for improved water returning to the ground

Serramonte Center Cal Trans Row & Phase 4

Zero chemical used in demolition of ice plant (Team learning conversation led to strategy for clearing 160 CYD’s of ice plant to be removed from site to a green waste recycle facility.)
270 CYD’s of project demolition waste estimated for off hauled to a landfill 70 miles away. One 30 yard dumpster 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 to be organic composting & organic pre-emergent using corn gluten
Re-using left over irrigation parts and minimizing new PVC purchases
Employee ride sharing

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.

Landscape Construction - Environmentally Centric Strategies