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| UnCommon Sense Case Studies - Blanchford Landscape |
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BLANCHFORD LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS
Landscaping Contractor, Bozeman, MT
blanchfordlandscapecontractors.com
Reasons for Applying
The biggest challenge for Andrew Blanchford and Stacey Kersens of
Blanchford Landscape Contractors was finding the time to implement
sustainable practices into the business. The intense seasonality of the
business always kept them from getting started. With 90% of the
company’s revenue coming during the eightmonth work season,
the staff could not find time to put into practice the wish lists they
optimistically compiled during their off season. They applied for
UnCommon Sense because the program not only gives the tools and
resources businesses need to become more sustainable in day-to-day
operations, it also expects them to apply the knowledge back in the
workplace.
Benefits Received
Before the program, Blanchford spent a lot of money in tipping fees at
the landfill. Most of the weight was fill dirt contaminated with
job-site junk. Now, employees are required to separate waste materials
such as concrete, wood scraps, branches and other vegetative materials
from fill dirt so that it can be reused in new construction. Vegetative
waste is composted and woody materials are chipped for landscaping. As
a result, they reduced their tipping fees by 37% from 2006 to 2007. The
Blanchford staff considers their biggest success procuring organic
fertilizer at a reasonable price. They had tried for five years, but
business-wise they couldn’t justify the premium cost and had
even given up on asking. As a result of the Responsible Purchasing
Module, they re-opened the conversation with their vendor, who
eventually found a fertilizer brand that made business sense for them.
Blanchford reduced their use of natural gas by 40% at their shop by
installing a timed energy-efficient thermostat and turning the heat
down at night. They also have an ongoing practice of reducing their
landscaping client’s water use by putting rain sensors on
irrigation systems, using more drought-tolerant grass and plants and
encouraging customers to have smaller lawns. A surprising benefit of
the program has been better employee retention. Employees now take
pride in the more mission-driven atmosphere, and a waste manual created
for training purposes has actually attracted employees who see the
value of the company’s sustainable practices.
Bottom Line Results
• Reduced tipping fees at the
landfill by 37%
• Replaced .7 tons of chemical
fertilizer with 1 ton of organic fertilizer in 2007
• Reduced natural gas use by 40%
by installing a timed thermostat at the shop
• Improved employee retention
rate by 40% in two-year period
CLICK
HERE TO SEE THEIR FINAL REPORT POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
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