In 2022, ReVision's Joel Alder took on the role of Sustainability Coordinator and began tackling one of our biggest "Sunshot" goals (like moonshot but solar-themed, obviously): to have fully net-zero operations by 2030. We work hard every day to combat the harmful effects of the climate crisis, but we are aware that aspects of our work come with their own carbon emissions.
Joel established a baseline report so that we could understand the sources of our emissions and waste, in order to create strategies for reductions and improvements. This report will help us phase in clean renewable sources of heat, power, and transportation so we can reach our Net Zero goals by 2030.
We know that solar energy systems are the best climate solution and reduce our electricity costs - that's why we've installed a system on every ReVision branch that produces almost 100% of our electric needs.
In 2023 these arrays offset 214,568 pounds of carbon. We have also installed air source heat pumps for heating and cooling our offices in the most efficient way possible.
We hate fossil fuels and the fossil fuel industry. Unfortunately at the current time, we still have to use gas and diesel when we can't use solar energy. Gas and diesel for our vehicles make up 90% of our emissions. The most obvious solution to reduce our carbon emissions would be to ensure we are primarily buying EVs in place of combustion engine vehicles. Our fleet today is 10% electric and ranges from smaller Chevy Bolts for site visits, to Ford F-150 Lightnings.
Pickup trucks, vans, and box trucks make up most of our fleet and electrified versions of these heavier-duty vehicles are less accessible right now. Because of this, the transition to a fully-electric fleet will be slower over the next 2-3 years and then will really start to ramp up. This will allow us to reach our 2030 goals, and access the EVs that match our needs.
Overall, recycling at ReVision Energy makes up 73% of all waste, with trash making up the other 27%. This is remarkably good for a construction company and an improvement of 5% over 2022. We recycle scrap metal, cardboard, e-waste, wooden pallets, office papers, and the occasional broken solar panel, among other things. We also compost at every branch.
We're also continually exploring other recycling opportunities to decrease that 27% trash percentage. Polystyrene, otherwise known as Styrofoam, is the single most common item in our trash. It is light but it takes up a lot of room. Eliminating that single item from our dumpsters could reduce the amount of trash pickups we need while also bolstering recycling efforts. We are continuing to research Polystyrene recycling options and will make a decision on how best to handle that waste stream this year.
In 2023, we also focused on recycling education. Good recycling habits don't catch on by themselves! Consistent and ongoing recycling education helped improve employee-owners' understanding of recycling best practices and helped boost our recycled materials numbers.
