As an environmental consulting firm, Fortis works to improve the environment as a core part of our business.Our engineering and consulting efforts are geared toward remediating soil and groundwater.In other words, we take sites that have been polluted and render them cleaner and safer.But Fortis does not let the story end there.Our work efforts also focus on reducing our carbon emissions, recycling materials, and generally going above and beyond what is merely necessary to get a job done. Carbon Footprint Reduction A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives.The environmental industry, as a whole, generates a very large carbon footprint due to the nature of our work.Activities such as mobilizing to sites, operating heavy equipment and trucks, running long-term treatment systems, and using generators and motors each contribute to our industry’s carbon emissions.One of the factors that separates Fortis from other environmental companies is that we don’t just rest on the ‘laurels’ generated through environmental cleanup.
One of Fortis’ key contributions to carbon footprint reduction is careful evaluation of remedial technologies.In addition to factors such as cost and practicality, time is a very important factor.A rapid time to cleanup represents more than just efficient service and a happy client; it also represents fewer carbon emissions.For example, a conventional excavation may result in a fairly large initial carbon footprint over a week or two, but when compared to operation of an in-site treatment system for three to five years, the carbon savings becomes evident.
Additionally, Fortis engineers regularly evaluate passive technologies in addition to active technologies.Passive technologies, such as reactive barriers, chemical injection, barometric pumping and natural attenuation monitoring, will always produce a smaller carbon footprint than active remedies. Recycling Each year American businesses and households generate millions of tons of solid waste (trash).According to USEPA over 241 million tons of trash was generated in 2006 and the trends are increasing.Businesses, alone, accounted for 35 to 45 percent of this waste.Over 80% of this trash is recyclable.Some of the most under-recycled wastes include paper, cardboard, aluminum and glass containers, tires, and plastics.
Fortis strives to reduce waste both in the office and at our project sites.In the office, we recycle typical office waste such as paper, cardboard, and aluminum cans and glass containers.As part of our standard vehicle and equipment maintenance procedures, oil, tires, and batteries are recycled.On our sites, we typically recycle metals, concrete, and asphalt.We also utilize large beverage coolers with individual re-useable drinking containers, rather than promote the excessive use of individually packaged beverages.
These efforts may seem small, but they do add up.For example according to the USEPA, every single ton of recycled paper is equivalent to saving 185 gallons of gasoline.Recycling one ton of aluminum cans is equivalent to conserves approximately 1,655 gallons of gasoline.Recycling really can make a difference. Buy Local One of the easiest ways to minimize carbon emissions, reduce fuel usage, and support your community is to purchase goods and services locally.Rather than hire the mega-company environmental firm that imports its employees from offices all over the country, considering hiring smaller, locally owned and operated businesses, such as Fortis.We contribute directly to the community you live in, both by providing jobs but also by living and participating in the local politics and culture.
Down-to-earth solutions for complex environmental problems