Tracking Our Carbon Footprints
At the beginning of 2008 we sat down and assessed our entire operation with one eye on efficiency and the other on our environmental impact. It was a good exercise. We were able to reduce the costs associated with doing business and come up with a plan to help manage the size of our carbon footprint.
Each of our estimators drives an average of 27,000 miles for work each year. And with most driving Texas-size gas guzzlers at the time, we were spending a lot of money on gas as well as producing too many unhealthy and unnecessary emissions.
So, we went out and bought nine new Toyota Prius. (According to the EPA, the Prius is the most fuel efficient car currently sold in the U.S. They also rate it among the cleanest vehicles based on smog forming and toxic emissions.) It took a while to get a bunch of burly Texas foundation repair-ers to warm up to the idea, but they came around once they saw the racing stripes.
If you happen to see a ruby red, glacier white or sandy tan Prius sporting the Centex logo, give a honk. Let us know you recognize us and agree with our attempt to reduce our imprint. Some work trucks are still needed to carry crews, materials and equipment to job sites, but every little bit helps, right?
