Consumers are more likely then ever before to choose a company that syncs with their own values.
According to a recent study, 77% of Americans see climate change as either a crisis or a major problem.
Recently, we sat down with Gary Grund, VP of Sales here at Budd Van Lines to see what is being done to address this serious issue.
With many consumers looking for companies who represent their values and concerns regarding climate change, how has Budd Van Lines (BVL) addressed the issue?
Budd as an organization is aligning our sustainability initiatives with our clients’ values of minimizing our carbon footprint when moving. It’s the right thing to do for the environment, our community and it makes sense for Budd’s bottom line. We’ve received several awards from our clients and the State of New Jersey for our environmental stewardship. From monitoring and tracking fuel usage to reusable packing containers like our Eco-Crate, to energy efficient practices in our offices; we are on a journey with our customers to reduce our impact on the environment.
You mentioned the Eco-Crate. What impact has it had in saving cardboard usage?
Eco-crates have conserved approximately 2 million lbs. of cardboard cartons over the past 10 years. That in turn has saved thousands of trees, millions of gallons of water used in cardboard production & thousands of yards of landfill space.
Are there other reusable materials BVL utilizes?
Rubber bands instead of petroleum-based tape to adhere padding to furniture, Masonite, and neoprene floor protection instead of sheets of cardboard. We are exploring reusable plastic containers for portions of a residential move, reusable plastic bins on office moves.
With so many moving trucks driving thousands of miles, how does BVL limit their carbon output?
Budd is a certified carrier under the EPA’s SmartWay program. They help us benchmark, monitor and improve the environmental performance of our fleet. Our trucks are SmartWay influenced to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency, and we train our drivers on SmartWay best practices to reduce fuel consumption, this includes idling guidelines, speed governors/ speed monitoring, use of cruise control and safe driving.
Has BVL addressed any energy concerns at their 5 warehouses?
Yes, sky lights and LED lighting helps us reduce our electricity usage. All lighting in the warehouses is on motion detectors to reduce electricity consumption by up to 75%.
Heating and A/C systems are on timers and temperature locks at all facilities.
We recycle 2.75 million lbs. of cardboard and paper per year!
Finally, in the last year we went from printing over 1.7 Million documents per year to less 600,000 and our next initiative is a complete paperless environment for drivers thru tablet based technology by the end of 2023.
What would you tell anyone looking for an environmentally friendly moving company about BVL?
Moving is an environmentally challenging industry. Let’s face it, today we use a lot of paper and cardboard and many gallons of fuel.
Budd has been a trend setter in improving this. The Eco-Crate system was invented in 2011 and we remain the only carrier in the country with it. We invested millions of dollars in the Load it Once System to offer a more efficient way to move. We were one of the first supporters of a Donate and Discard program to reduce shipment weights. We foster an employee culture of sustainability.
Our clients and the State of NJ have recognized us for our initiatives, and we will continue to invest in technology such as solar power and electric trucks when the technology is fully available.