HERNDON, VA.—The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) has recognized two companies with its annual Sustainable Company Award.
Each year, PLANET presents the Sustainable Company Award to businesses that strive to protect and conserve resources, reduce waste, and prevent pollution, and that promote an ethic of sustainability within their workplace. This year’s recipients are Precision Landscape Management of Dallas, and Sebert Landscaping of Bartlett, Ill.
“PLANET is pleased to recognize the achievement that both companies have made to sustainable practices in their landscape work and in their offices,” says PLANET President Norman Goldenberg, Landscape Industry Certified. “They are a great example of the leadership in sustainability that many landscape companies display.”
Precision Landscape Management practices recycling of plastic pots and wooden pallets, promotes water saving irrigation practices to clients, focuses on organic plant care, encourages clients to use native and non-invasive plant species, and composts all organic waste, including leaves, lawn clippings, brush, etc. In the office, the company provides recycling containers, and encourages double-sided copying, the use of recycled paper, and “think before you print” paper conservation. The office has energy-efficient windows, zone heating, and motion sensor lights.
“Being a sustainable company means that we strive to be as ‘green’ as possible, whether it is in our office or our in the field,” says Bruce Birdsong, Landscape Industry Certified, CEO of Precision Landscape Management. “We practice what we preach by reducing our carbon foot print, helping clients save more than 30 percent on water bills, and teaching others about sustainable landscape practices.”
Sebert Landscaping’s corporate headquarters, completed in 2010, is on track to be LEED Gold-certified. The facility includes a green roof, along with a new solar-paneled 15,000-sq.-ft. garage. Employees are provided with bike racks, and preferred parking is available for carpool and low-emission vehicles. Recycling is available throughout the headquarters. Landscape clients receive counseling on water-saving irrigation systems and water-saving methods, use of native plants, and converting annual beds to perennials. Sebert composts leaves, grass clippings, etc., and recycles motor oils, fuels and lubricants. It is also converting to propane mowers.
Jeff Sebert, president of Sebert Landscaping, takes sustainability seriously: “As a steward of this planet, it is our responsibility to be the best we can be, to enhance the environment for future generations.”
