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ORCO Block & Hardscape, a concrete masonry products producer headquartered in Newport Beach, California, has received the award for Most Sustainable Manufacturer at the U.S. Green Building Council — Orange County Chapter’s (USGBC-OC’s) “Greenest in the County” Eco-Awards. The awards honor accomplishments in sustainable practices and educate the public about sustainable businesses and leaders in Orange County.“ORCO aims to set the industry standard for sustainable manufacturing processes,” says Rick Muth, ORCO president. “It’s important we continue our leadership in energy efficiency, waste reduction/recycling and water reduction achievements. We are honored the USGBC-OC Chapter chose us as their leader in sustainable manufacturing.”
ORCO has employed dry cast manufacturing methodology, using just enough cement to provide specified strength for each project, which has resulted in minimal waste being generated, according to USGBC-OC. The company also uses pre- and postindustrial recycled content in its batch designs, along with other locally sourced aggregates. Together, the raw materials are innate with nature and provide a product that contributes to low impact development.
“ORCO recognizes the importance of making sure our products and services contribute to efficient designs that allow for sustainability in our communities,” says Veronica Slavik, corporate development director and one of six LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) APs at ORCO.
Beyond ORCO’s product line and involvement in existing local and national environmental programs, the company’s environmental achievements include its own environmental programs throughout its six manufacturing plants. “As the area of environmental compliance continues to grow, ORCO remains committed to evaluating its business practices within operations to fully understand its environmental impact,” says Dwayne Gleason, ORCO vice president and head of production.