Recognizing & Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

We at Heartwood are aware of our impact on the broader environment. Although we operate in a “green” industry caring for plants and we promote growing and maintaining our urban canopy, many of the tools we need to accomplish our work, like chainsaws, chippers and large trucks, carry a heavy carbon footprint and contribute to the broader problem of climate change. That is why for the past two years we have partnered with Carbonfund.org to help offset the carbon our operations emit.

Carbon Emissions Offsets

In 2019, we purchased offsets for 140 tons of CO2, which covered our carbon footprint for that year. We calculated the carbon footprint based on our field work, office operations, and travel (both for sales staff and commuting employees). We are proud to partner with this organization helps over 2000 small businesses offset their emissions to combat climate change. 

Finding Better Options

We know merely paying to offset emissions does not sufficiently address the climate change challenge. We identifying areas within the business where we can shift away from “business as usual.” In 2019 we purchased two all-electric Chevy Bolts to replace less efficient vehicles in our sales fleet. The Bolts are quick, fun to drive, and (the best part) have no emissions coming out the back end! It is also surprising how much “tree gear” you can fit in the trunk. 

Experimenting with New Technologies

Huge recent leaps in battery technology have begun to filter into the chainsaw industry. We have begun to add electric chainsaws to our equipment inventory, and have been enjoying the reduction in fumes and noise. The electric versions cannot yet replace the larger gas powered saws, but it is only a matter of time. 

We really believe this is just the start of where we can make a positive impact in our local and global community. We will continue to push ourselves to improve in terms of environmental responsibility and report back our our progress.