Going Green

Going Green. That seems to be the buzz term of the new millennium, but using the word and doing something prove to be two different things. Here at Berkeshire Exteriors, we have taken significant steps to reducing our carbon footprint, and are continually increasing our growing green efforts and program. To us green is not just a buzz word, or one or two things we sometimes do. It the way we do business, and an all encompassing full time effort.

The Berkeshire Green Program

For each construction project we complete, a tree is planted through the USDA in their honor. The trees are planted in general forest land. They are not planted as a memorial, with ribbons or bows. The tree is not tagged, or memorialized in any fashion. Rather, each new tree is planted for multiple use purposes. The size and species of the tree is appropriate to the forest in which its planted. This is determined by needs and goals of the National Forestry Service.

Our Green Initiatives

We have never liked the idea of tons of shingles filling up local landfills, and mountains of construction trash accumulating at each jobsite. We were pleased to determine that shingles and construction debris can be ground up for road patches, and that recycled shingles and building materials can be used as a foundation and cushion layer beneath gravel and stone patio and pathways. Our other efforts to reduce our carbon footprint include:

• We recycle all plastic and aluminum cans.
• We purchase 100% recycled paper and office supplies.
• We have switched out regular light bulbs with (CFL) bulbs.
• Each Friday, we unplug computers, lights and printers to conserve energy.
• We utilize instant messaging and email, cutting down on paper.
• We use fair trade organic coffee.
• We use biodegradable coffee filters.
• We save all coffee grounds for composting and organic fertilizer.
• We use re-usable UPS packaging.

12 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

• Change regular light bulbs and replace them with CFL’s.
• Program your thermostat to reduce output when you are away or sleeping.
• Regularly clean furnace and AC filters, reducing workload.
• Turn off your computer when not in use – and the power strip!
• Print on both sides of the paper, or use the back of old documents or faxes.
• Bring lunch to work in re-usable containers.
• Recycle paper, aluminum, and even electronics.
• Choose Energy Star appliances.
• Think before you print – can it be read or stored online instead?
• Choose transportation wisely – carpool, bike, walk, bus, tram etc.
• Shop at local farmers markets- reducing plastic, shipping, refrigerated storage etc.
• Use rechargeable batteries.