Environmental Stewardship
As part of The Brick Companies’ philosophy of “doing well by doing good,” a representative group of TBC employees gathered at the River House at Queenstown Harbor to discuss the company’s environmental mission. The River House Charter was born out of that gathering. Here are just a few of the things we are proud to say we do well.
Download the Business of Being Green presentation in PDF format
Download the Business of Being Green presentation in PowerPoint format
“Remooable” Energy Program
Who knew you could actually create viable alternative energy from cow manure? The Brick Companies, of course! We’re one of the first area companies to embrace NativeEnergy’s CoolBusiness program. That means has committed to fueling a significant portion of its energy demands from renewable sources.
But what is renewable energy?
In simple words, renewable energy is derived from resources that can never be used up. It is an energy source that is either infinite (the sun, wind and water) or constantly renewing, like municipal solid waste or cow manure. These sources of energy do not rely on nuclear reaction or fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal or oil.
The Brick Companies “Living Roof”
Living roof structures are buildings that utilize rooftop gardens to reduce storm water runoff and to provide insulation, much like a thermos. Living roof structures are considered extremely environmentally friendly, reducing energy consumption and removing pollutants from rainwater.
The building has a roof with four inches of topsoil, planted with grasses and flowers.
“Degraded water quality is a central problem to the decline of the Chesapeake Bay. This building will help to do its part to improve the quality of the runoff in the South River Watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation thanks The Brick Companies for doing their part to help save the Bay,” says Will Baker, President of Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
NuRide
NuRide is the nation’s first ride network that rewards people for sharing rides. Atlantic Golf partners with NuRide to reward DC Metro area drivers for reducing the amount of vehicles on the road. Atlantic Golf participation in NuRide’s Chevron 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge in 2006 directly:
- Created 2,600 ridesharing trips
- Adding up to 3,400 fewer car trips
- Equaling 100,000 fewer miles driven
- Generating 40 fewer tons of automobile emissions
- Resulting in 4,400 fewer gallons of gas purchased
Rain Barrel Installation
As part of The Brick Companies’ commitment to environmental stewardship rain barrels have been installed at Atlantic Marina Resort. Each barrel saves an estimated 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months. Saving water helps protect the environment and saves money and energy, decreasing the demand for treated tap water. Diverting water to a rain barrel also decreases the impact of runoff into the Chesapeake Bay.
Rainwater is oxygenated, unchlorinated (chlorine is bad for soil bacteria, not to mention our air), and warmer than tap water – all qualities that make it a better source for plants and safer for the environment. Water from these barrels will help keep our landscaping green during the hot summer months.
Consider installing a rain barrel at your home or business!