Formatted Title

Sustainability or Green Washing? Real Initiatives Change the Environmental Impact of Environmental Companies and Their Remedial Technologies

Background/Objectives

The focus on sustainability and environmental impacts is a growing area of scrutiny in the environmental remediation industry.  Requests for proposals are beginning to ask for sustainability sections, and many leading firms are incorporating sustainability into their marketing materials. But do we make hard choices which come with a cost, or are these just words (green washing)?

Approach/Activities

The authors will review and evaluate options for taking real initiatives to improve. This will include our thermal technologies (ERH, TCH, SEE and PFAS treatment technologies) but also our company structure, travel, and behavior. We will present an honest analysis of what we do, and what we could do better.

Results/Lessons Learned

Sustainability optimization includes minimization of resource use when we implement our treatment technologies. Key areas are:

• Use as little energy as possible to treat the sources and meet the goals. This is done by careful selection of heating approach and rapid heating to shorten the time for heat losses.
• Use replenishable energy whenever possible, even when it costs more. Minimize use of gas and petroleum-based fuels.
• Minimize transportation: Source materials locally to job sites, package equipment and materials for mobilization, utilize staff that lives close to the site.
• Greener materials: Minimize use of cement (high CO₂ impact), nickel alloys (human toxic equivalents), and coal-based granular activated charcoal (CO₂ impact).
• Don’t overtreat: Careful sampling and analysis that allows us to turn heating off in areas as the goals are met.
• Reuse of equipment and materials: Our sites are built mostly with equipment and materials which travel to 10+ sites before their end of life is reached.

Company culture also makes a difference. TRS employee-owners are passionate about their environment and quality of life and are committed to making positive impacts for one another and the world in which they serve.

• The company is virtual so most employees work out of their homes. This reduces commute times, driving and fuel usage.
• When we travel to meetings, sites and conferences, car-pooling is typical.
• We implement strategic hiring to help mitigate the need for cross-country travel to job sites.
• We take advantage of virtual technologies that foster communication and teamwork.

We struggle in some areas where we could still do better:

• As a thermal technology provider, we still have not found ways to use all green power.
• Recycling at job sites, home offices and our equipment warehouse is challenged by local options and constant time pressure.
• Green materials may cost more than the alternatives – clients rarely agree to pay more.
• When we rush, we often use more energy – multiple shipments to sites, additional air travel to support field crews.