As someone once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Improving efficiency in manufacturing, moderation in the use of materials, sourcing sustainable materials, and focusing on energy saving have long been factors considered at MetroWall. Like many in the industry, sustainability is top of mind for us. But as we like to say, “More is possible.”
The Design & Build Community has collectively focused on efforts to reduce the global carbon footprint. While there are many ways of doing this, MetroWall has been supporting an organization that is playing a key role.
For several years, and with another donation in 2023, we have partnered with One Tree Planted, specifically their Urban Forestry Program. Having planted over 80,000 trees in cities, the Urban Forestry Program focuses on addressing the significant need for forestry in urban areas to reduce the effects of heat islands and to create green spaces. These efforts help remove carbon from the air, reduce energy consumption, and enhance air quality.
In one year, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange. Additionally, a study at Boston University found that about 30% of carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels are taken in by forests. “That’s CO2 that’s not in the atmosphere,” says Boston University biogeochemist and ecologist Lucy Hutyra. “These forests are doing an incredible service to our planet.”
We often talk about “sustainability,” and it sometimes just feels like a buzzword. There are many ways we can have an impact and improve our sustainability journey goals. We applaud all the individuals and organizations that continue to create change. We look forward to hearing more from our colleagues about your own initiatives.
Author: Seth MacGregor, Director of Operations at MetroWall