Preliminary Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2021 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTERFROMEXECUTIVE03 OVERVIEWCOMPANY04 ABOUT REPORTTHIS06 05 History 05 Mission, Vision, Values 07 Overview of Company Initiatives SAFETY08 09 Worker Safety 09 Annual Rates 10 Safety Trainings 11 TCIA Award 12 Cyber Security 13 Safety Goals ENGAGEMENTCOMMUNITY26 27 Volunteer Efforts & Contributions 28 Youth Interaction 29 Reputation 31 Community Engagement Goals EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING14 15 Diversity & Inclusion 16 Ethical Standards 16 Training & Education Opportunities 17 Health and Wellness 18 Longevity 19 Employee Well-being Goals CLOSING32 33 Appendix SUSTAINABILITYENVIRONMENTAL20 21 Sustainable Services 22 Energy 23 Waste 25 Environmental Sustainability Goals
Safety
Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
This report will highlight the progress we’ve made and will continue to make regarding:-Safety-Employee Well-being - Environmental Sustainability - Community Engagement I invite you to read our inaugural report to learn how WOS continues to be a leader in providing sustainable environmental solutions that align with our core values of safety, integrity, excellence, respect, teamwork, family, innovation and sustainability.
LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE
Jennifer Anderson General Manager
Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) provides professional services for the care and enhancement of residential and commercial properties across Iowa and Nebraska. Through our subsidiary brand, Verdure Elements, we provide interior plantscaping, seasonal color rotation and interior holiday décor services. From tree care to interior plantscaping, our mission is to create beautiful and sustainable indoor and outdoor spaces. We understand the responsibility we have as a company and as individuals to strive to protect and improve all ecosystems, and to make positive environmental, social and economic impacts in the communities we serve. A sustainable business is good business, not only for our employees but also for our clients, the public and our planet. Our preliminary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report is our way of showcasing how we’re delivering the highest level of professional, safe and environmentally conscious services and solutions to our industry and the communities we work and live in. As a 100% employee-owned company, our employees are at the forefront of every decision we make and it’s our employees who are behind the success of our business.
3
OVERVIEWCOMPANY The following pages highlight how we incorporate environmental sustainability into our project services and business operations using innovative processes, initiatives and technology.
5 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
Elements // Founded in 1981
Mission - To provide comprehensive solutions for our clients’ outdoor and indoor spaces. - To provide attractive value appreciation to our employee owners. - To provide team members with an environment that enables them to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Formed from the merger of two of the metro’s oldest and most prominent land care companies, Heard Gardens and Wright Tree Care, WOS has been caring for outdoor spaces since 1928. Heard Gardens, an award-winning landscaping company, had been designing and managing landscapes in the community since 1928, and Wright Tree Care, a respected residential tree care company, had been around since 1933. With the merger of the two companies in 2007, central Iowa had one company to turn to for all of their landscaping and tree care needs.
- To make outdoor and indoor spaces more beautiful and sustainable.
MISSION,Values VISION, VALUES
In 1981, a company called Branching Out was founded, providing interior commercial plantscaping services throughout the Omaha metro. The company continued to expand its service offerings, adding exterior seasonal color rotation and interior holiday décor services to its arsenal to better serve homeowners and business owners’ growing needs. In 2019, Branching Out was acquired by WOS and reintroduced as Verdure Elements in the fall of 2019.
FAMILY It is our foundation; it is who we are. We earn it from our customers and from each other. SUSTAINABILITY We create it by leaving a positive impact on places and people.
RESPECT
EXCELLENCE We continually strive to exceed our customer’s expectations – and our own expectations.
Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) // Founded in 1928
Core
SAFETY It is everyone’s responsibility –we each own it.
Over time, WOS expanded its service offerings to include lawn care, residential and commercial maintenance, holiday lights, land clearing and mulch production.
Vision Wright Outdoor Solutions will be recognized as the most reputable, reliable, knowledgeable and environmentally sensitive company in the markets we serve.
INTEGRITY We abide by the highest ethical standards.
TEAMWORK It is how we operate and we hold each other accountable.
In 2019, WOS expanded into the Omaha market through the acquisition of Omaha based company Verdure Elements, offering interior plantscaping, seasonal color and holiday design services.
INNOVATION We anticipate our clients’ needs and we deliver creative services & solutions.
In 2013, WOS purchased a local Des Moines company called The Growing Concern to operate as a division. With this purchase, WOS was able to take their services indoors as well, offering interior plantscaping, exterior maintenance and interior holiday décor.
HISTORYVerdure
core KPIs
areas
Performance Indicator (KPI) Overview Wright Outdoor Solutions
THISABOUTREPORT
Key (WOS) will be used to track the progress in key target and to gauge progress in the will help shape goals to drive
coming years. These
continuous improvement.
Environmental Sustainability As a company in the environmental services industry, we strive to protect and preserve all ecosystems. We continue to reduce our footprints and promote carbon positive practices at our office and in the communities we serve. Community Engagement WOS supports activities that benefit our employees and add value to the communities where we live and work. Through monetary and in-kind donations such as labor or education, we’re able to support various causes and organizations that align with our values. We take pride in building and developing relationships with our employees, clients and communities.
7 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
OVERVIEW OF COMPANY INITIATIVES 2021 Highlights social media jobsINSTALLEDPUBLISHEDpostscompletedwith a net promoter score (NPS) of 7.8 living walls and 2 moss walls Best Landscaper in the 2021 Best of the West movedawardsintoa new warehouse space Verdure ElementsVoted7,55829320
Safety Safety is our number one value. Our employees are trained on a consistent basis to ensure best safe practices are in place and mitigate any potential risks or hazards. Internal protocols are routinely reviewed and updated by our risk and safety departments. Our employees follow the Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper motto, striving to achieve zero Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable incidents.
Employee Well-being Our employees create a rich work environment. Our family culture is what makes WOS unique and attractive to the next generation of the workforce. This includes a safe, enjoyable, diverse environment that offers opportunity for professional growth within the company. As competition for talent grows, WOS is committed to offering an attractive workplace to retain and foster talent.
SAFETY Safety is our number one value. Our employees are trained on a consistent basis to ensure best safe practices are in place and mitigate any potential risks or hazards. Internal protocols are routinely reviewed and updated by our risk and safety departments to ensure the latest trainings and protocols are followed to ensure our employees can get home safely each and every night. Our employees follow the Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper motto, striving to achieve zero OSHA recordable incidents.
in days away from work, restricted duty or transfer of duties. This is because only the more severe OSHA recordable injuries and illnesses are included in the DART rate. At-fault incidents are often broken down into the following categories: - Property Damage - Auto Liability - General Liability - First Aid WORKER5.27SAFETYANNUALINCIDENTRATE 2021 Annual Rates: Annual Incident Rate Days Away, Restricted or Transferred Claims per Employee3.950.145.27- Lost Time - Restricted Duty - Medical - Outage
family
companies. All WSC companies track and report accidents. Atfault accidents are tracked with goals established for reduction. These accidents are used in training materials to identify preventative actions to continue to enforce. A days away, restricted or transferred (DART) rate represents OSHA injuries or illness that
Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) member of Service Corp. (WSC) of results
the Wright
9 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
is a
11 employees are 30T certified - 100% of plant health care team - 66% of our operations team - 33% of project managers - 33% of forepersons
our
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) provide tools and education to landscapers. They outline the best practices for bidding and installing walls (NCMA) and patios (ICPI). Employees that complete these trainings have a better understanding of how to properly install a hardscape base, best practices for laying pavers and wall block, how to address drainage in a new install and much more.
10 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
10 employees hold ISA certifications 100% of sales team - Arbor operations manager - 66% of arbor forepersons - OSHA provides outreach and training programs about common safety and health hazards on the job. The courses offer basic and more advanced training.
We aim to offer training and certifications that help better all our employees in their field:
- 3OT sets the groundwork for how to safely measure and apply chemicals, outline what appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed for a project, how to clean up post application and so much more. Chemical applicators must hold an up-to-date 3OT certification before commercially applying any chemical.
2 employees are ICPI fully certified - Landscape operations manager - 1 design team leader
TOTAL HOURS OF TRAININGCONTINUED
In 2021, 28 employees became First Aid, CPR and AED certified from various departments including arbor, mechanics, seasonal services and office staff.
4 employees are NCMA course certified - 75% of our landscape crew leads
First Aid/CPR/AED
our arbor
SAFETY TRAININGS
3 employees are ICPI course certified - 100% of our design team leads - 50% of our landscape crew leads
A total of 1,053 hours of continued training across 81 employees in 2021.
our
2 employees are NCMA fully certified - Landscape operations manager - 1 design team leader
As new employees join the team, there is an extensive safety training program during the onboarding process. Every week there is a half hour session on various topics to refresh the team to keep safety top of mind.
Tailgate Hours Weekly training sessions are held on various topics to refresh the team to keep safety top of mind across the landscape, seasonal service and arbor care teams.
-
1 ,053
our arbor
our
- Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) outlines industry standards and educates snow removal professionals on the Approved National Standards Institute (ANSI) for snow removal. These standards set the groundwork for safety procedures to reduce the risk to ourselves and others, how to correctly document on job sites and provide training on how best to streamline our snow operation.
2 employees are ASCA trained - 1 snow supervisor - 1 snow lead
1 Employee is OSHA 30 certified
2 Employees are OSHA 10 certified
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a certification for arborists and tree care professionals. They work to educate people on the benefits of trees (economic, environmental and societal) and how to properly administer care for the best longevity of these plants. Their focus is on continual research to keep improving practices, public awareness and promoting safety within the arbor field.
11 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement TCIA AWARD WOS was accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) once again in 2021 and has held this accreditation status since 2006. The TCIA accreditation evaluates ethical business practices, compliance with industry standards for safety and performance, and providing quality service. Highlights Total hours of continued safety training 1,053 New First Aid, CPR & AED Certified employees 28 Award accreditation TCIA
A security awareness program was launched in May of 2020. Employees undergo training to spot ‘phishing’ scams and other malicious emails or attacks. These fraudulent requests are sophisticated and can use known company contacts to lure others into sending funds to illegitimate recipients or compromise confidential data and information. On a monthly basis, employees will be tested internally and if the employee fails, they are required to go through additional training and in some cases meet with human resources (HR) and IT for performance improvement. As scams are ever-changing, training and tips are provided to arm our employees with the knowledge to be digital Brother’s and Sister’s Keepers and ensure we protect our family of companies and their employees.
Additional Security Measures
In 2021 additional security measures were implemented for the WSC family of companies. This included over 20 new or updated policies, procedures or programs including: - vCISO Service Program - Zero Trust Mission Statement - Security Awareness Training and Testing Policy - Temporary Elevated Permissions Agreement and Policy - Information Security Diagram Security Cyber training completion monthly compared to a 73% industry average Hours executed on security topic training over the course of the year Hours of required annual cyber security training
12 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
Cyber
75.51461% CYBER SECURITY
In 2022, WSC will continue to implement tools and training for increased company preparedness and due diligence against increasing cyber security risk.
WSC’s information technology (IT) department is dedicated to cybersecurity and business continuity. In 2019, an information security team was created to improve our security posture and execute yearly strategic security roadmaps, updated annually; by doing so this maintains and strengthens our company’s ability to protect company and client data. The team conducts an annual comprehensive security assessment in tandem with monthly vulnerability scans and remediates identified issues. Our SIEM platform, AlienVault monitored 24/7/365 by ProCircular, is utilized to help improve our detection and prevention of attacks on our company’s equipment year-round.
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement Training: Continue to offer specialized safety training programs to employees. Incident Rate: Reduce incidents and near misses to reduce annual incident rate. Security: In 2022, ensure company participation and improvement in security awareness training. SAFETY GOALS
EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING
Our employees create a rich work environment. Our family culture is what makes Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) unique and attractive to the next generation of the workforce. This includes a safe, enjoyable, diverse environment that offers opportunities for professional growth within the company. As competition for talent grows, WOS is committed to offering an attractive workplace to retain and foster talent.
year changes these values. GENDER GENDER - WOS NEW HIRE GENDER - WOS TYPEEMPLOYMENT DIVERSITY & INCLUSION 67% Male 67% Male 33% Female 33% Female FY2021 WOS demographics does not include contract/contingent employees. 91% Full-time 9% Part-time/Seasonal WOSWOS 5% 19% 23% 3% 13% 5% 80%29% 15% 5% 4% GENERATIONAL DISTRIBUTION ETHNICITY 20 & under 31-40 51-6021-30 41-50 61-64 65 & over Black or African American Hispanic/Latino Two or More Races White NewNewWOSHiresWOSHires 40% 17% 13% 4% 19% 77% 23% 6% 2%
WOS had the
2021 was a migration year for WOS with upgrades to workplace processes to an improved digital infrastructure with the migration to Workday. This human capital management system launched in August 2021. The new platform will help recruit, hire and onboard new talent. In addition, Workday’s intuitive portal will enable employees to easily access their personal information via mobile device or computer. Launching this new HR platform will automate manual processes. This will allow for complete and increased reporting capabilities on workforce demographics in 2022.
a maximum of 79 employees in FY2021, seasonal work during
15 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
-
TRAININGSTANDARDS&EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Arbor
-
16 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
The LEAD Program is an 18-month, WSC sponsored leadership, training and development program. Following a nomination process, individuals who have shown they are dedicated to their career and growth within our family of companies are selected. We utilize this program to give selected employees a comprehensive perspective of our family of companies, a platform for cross-company networking and the tools to enhance their leadership potential.
Per the WOS vision statement, “[we] will be recognized as the most reputable, reliable, knowledgeable and environmentally sensitive company in the markets we serve”. Investing in our employees’ professional and personal development ensures that our employees can continually refresh and grow their knowledge. Every year WOS allots a budget to cover the training expenses and applies for grants to support continual opportunities. Certification - Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) Certification AmericanHort Cultivate Conference - Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) - Holiday Bright Lights (HBL) Conference - Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI) - Iowa State University Shade Tree Short Course - International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certifications National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Conference National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Rainbow Plant Health Care Summit - Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) Conference LEAD Program
- 3OT
The latest class began their journey in June 2020, graduating in November of 2021. This group of participants completed a total of 1,296 training hours in 2020, with another 336 in 2021. Five WOS team members have participated in LEAD. General Foreperson - Class of 2020 Arbor Division Manager - Class of 2020 Account Manager - Class of 2021 Operations Manager - Class of 2022 Operations Manager - Class of 2022
WOS’s employee handbook outlines several employment policies, procedures and practices. This contains equal opportunity employment policies, a code of conduct policy, business ethics statement, a harassment policy and a protection against retaliation policy. Management and HR staff have an open-door policy as well to report incidents and provide suggestions to improve the workplace.
-
Seasonal Services
-
Verdure Elements
ETHICAL
Health Insurance WOS, as a WSC company, offers medical with prescription coverage, dental, & vision insurance to all eligible non-union employees. Plans are offered either as individual or family. Family plans are not limited to number of dependents. WSC pays a portion of these insurance fees to provide competitive premium rates for employee’s insurance packages.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS outdoorindoor
17 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
WOS has many opportunities for employees to have a mix of both indoor and outdoor working hours, appealing to those seeking a non-conventional work environment. According to a study in Nature, individuals that spend at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing (Nature, 2019).
Benefits WOS, as a WSC company, provides both full-time and part-time positions with a benefits package that far exceeds the industry standard. Employees receive comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, vacation and sick time, bereavement, identity theft protection, traditional pre-tax or post-tax ROTH 401(k) retirement plan options and employees are part of profit sharing through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
A virtual healthcare service, Doctor on Demand, is provided to employees at no cost. Using a smartphone, tablet or computer, employees can receive care from board-certified physicians who can treat most common medical conditions and prescribe medication.
Working Hours
Indoor/Outdoor
The program involves earning rewards for competing activities throughout the year on individual and group activities such as challenges, participating in events and attending educational lunch and learns on nutrition and eating well, reducing stress, sleep, exercise, financial well-being, community involvement and more. Annual biometric health screenings are hosted at the corporate office through Mercy, a Des Moines hospital. Flu shots are also provided on location in the fall open to employees and their families. Employees can also take part in challenges through the portal to earn points and for accountability.
HolidayEnhancementArborAdminDécor 50/50 Interior Plant 80/20 Lawn PHCSalesLandscapeCare50/50
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a professional and confidential, short-term counseling service available to the employee and their immediate family. This benefit is a company paid benefit and is offered to the employee at no cost. Immediate telephone access to a counselor is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Resources include up to three sessions for inperson appointments per separate issue per year, legal services, financial consultation and eldercare resources.
In 2021, WOS health plan enrollment was split 61% single and 39% family. Wellness Program
Those contributing 1-3% receive 100% company match, those contributing 4-5% receive an additional 50% match with the max match potential hit at 5%. 60% of those contributing are receiving the full match potential. Numbers can change daily.
vested80%
YEARS OF SERVICE ESOP STATS
FY2021 years of service of those eligible for the ESOP. FY2021 comparison of number of eligible employees; percentage vested & number of employees.
WSC has a Safe Harbor Match Program to the 401(K) offering, matching 100% of the first 3%, plus an additional 50% of the next 2% employees would contribute to their retirement savings. The matching funds are placed in the
WSC’s 401(k), 76% of those eligible from WOS contributed to their retirement savings at the end of the 2021 calendar year.
vested20%
vested40%
ESOP account. Meaning, employees should contribute at least 5% annually to receive the full company match. These company-matched contributions are 100% vested. The Automatic Enrollment Program is an automatic 3% pre-tax 401(k) enrollment process for all eligible employees which increases contributions from salary pay by 1% each year until 10% is reached with an opt-out available. This was enacted to ensure employees were taking steps for their financial security in the Regardingfuture.
18 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement 11%+ 12% 1-3% 17% 4-5% 45% 6-10% 26%
The ESOP enables employees to directly affect profitability and value and see the results. Employees have pride in the company and a vested interest in Retirement WOS, as a WSC company, offers a comprehensive 401(k) retirement savings plan. Employees at least 18 years of age are eligible when they have completed one year of service with at least 1,000 hours. Plan entry dates are April 1st or October 1st, following eligibility.
vested60%
vested100%
401K CONTRIBUTIONS making sure the value of their account grows. The ESOP has also allowed the company to protect jobs and support the communities we work in.
5 years or less 61%years6-10 18% years11-15 11% 16-20years 5% 21-25 years 4% 26-30 years 2%
Employees are eligible who are at least 18 years of age, worked for the company for one year totaling at least 1,000 hours. Employees are automatically enrolled in the ESOP after meeting the qualifications on April 1 or October 1, following their 1-year anniversary date with the company. This is an employer-funded plan that is at no cost to the employees. 25% 7% 13% 11% 44%
LONGEVITY
We have many employees who have been with WOS for 10+ years. ESOP WOS has been a proud employee owned company since 2007. A shared ownership with WSC’s ESOP helps promote a positive, unique organizational culture and supports company success. The ESOP is also designed to assist our employees with their retirement and provide them with a financial stake in the company. For our customers and partners, we are empowered to provide exceptional service and innovative solutions. At all levels of the company, you’ll be working with an employee owner – individuals who are invested in the success of the company and the quality of service we deliver.
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement Diversity & Inclusion: Increase reporting capabilities on workforce demographics in 2022 with Workday. Employee Well-being: Promote indoor/outdoor working hours and both personal and professional training and growth opportunities available through employment at WOS. Employee Well-being: Conduct a survey for total reward offerings and preferences to employees. EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING GOALS
SUSTAINABILITYENVIRONMENTAL As a company in the environmental services industry, we strive to protect and preserve all ecosystems. We continue to reduce our footprints and promote carbon positive practices at our office and in the communities we serve. Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
Our team of ISA Certified arborists is proud to play a part in protecting and caring for trees in our community through the following services:
SUSTAINABLE SERVICES
Healthy trees promote healthy ecosystems. Trees offer essential benefits to our planet including air purification, oxygen production, erosion control, natural cleaning of surface and ground water, temperature control in urban areas and more. Trees are home to numerous insects and animals that improve biodiversity in our ecosystems. By providing proper care and maintenance to trees; disease, damage and removal can be prevented.
21 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
- Soil/Trunk Injections – Used to treat a variety of tree diseases and nutrient deficiencies.
Plants are at the center of our ecosystem, providing critical functions and support to life on earth. They release oxygen into the atmosphere, absorb carbon dioxide and provide food and habitats to other living organisms. The practice of incorporating plants into built environments, both indoor and outdoor, is known as biophilic design. This design practice is based on the principle that contact and exposure to nature is a basic human need, as opposed to an amenity or individual preference. Our team of landscape and plant designers not only place focus on beauty when selecting plants for home and property owners, but also sustainability and biodiversity.
Biophilic Design Through Landscaping & Interior
Plantscaping
Arborcare/Vegetation Management
- Bracing – Often done in conjunction with cabling, bracing is an additional support measure used to reinforce trees with a weak union near the central leader, or trunk. Metal rods are strategically drilled into the tree near the weak union to relieve tension and build strength and stability.
When selecting plants for outdoor environments, native plant species and pollinator friendly species are at the forefront of consideration. Native plants are those that are naturally occurring in a geographic area and have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Through use of native plants, home and property owners can reduce the use of resources such as water and energy as well as chemical fertilizers and pesticides which can damage our natural ecosystem. Pollinator friendly plants are those that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths and more. Pollinators are essential to our ecosystem as they fertilize plants, causing them to produce seeds, fruit and new life. Our interior plantscaping team brings plants indoors. Bringing plants indoors can purify the air and provide insulation which in turn can reduce heating, cooling and utility costs. Green spaces within a home or office also provide numerous health and well-being benefits to those occupying a space. Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) offers personalized interior plant design through moss and living wall installations, interior plantscaping, seasonal fresh floral displays, interior holiday plant arrangements and more.
- Pruning – Selective removal of branches to promote proper growth and remove diseased and pest infested branches.
- Cabling – As a supplemental support, hardware connecting parts of the tree to one another is installed in the upper third of the canopy. The connected limbs are stronger together and help support the tree against environmental stressors.
Winter Poinsettias – 364 Over 4,500 of trees, shrubs and perennials provided to local area Perennials – 3,083 Shrubs – 1114 Trees – 380
WOS is currently evaluating operation areas that consume higher amounts of energy to establish practical tracking procedures. Monitoring current operations will allow for the identification of areas of focus to reduce energy consumption and generate efficiencies. Gas to Electric Efforts Recently two product spray machines were upgraded from a gas-powered engine pump to electric. This not only reduces emissions from the burning of fuel but improves worker safety and is more economical. Gas powered chainsaws are beginning to be replaced with battery powered chainsaws. Other small handheld equipment such as weed eaters, leaf blowers, etc. are being considered for a battery powered transition. Further information will be included in the 2022 report. Equipment WSC has had the opportunity to be front and center to several exciting things with Geotab. With the support and guidance of our Geotab reseller, Gridline, WSC was the first company in the world to see and experience, pilot and deploy a Geotab/Lytx integration that allows the Lytx user interface to be visible and interactive within Geotab. Geotab is a fleet efficiency tool utilized to improve fuel efficiency, productivity, and safety that began to be implemented across the WSC family of companies in 2019. WOS had 79 vehicles equipped with the Geotab technology in 2021.
22 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement WATER Responsible use of water needed for plants, newly planted trees and establishing lawns. Care in landscape planning accounts for existing site conditions instead of amending the site for long term sustainability.
– 5,604 Such as:
WOS has become 100% electronic with timecards, reducing the need for paper processing. The work-order system used for everyday project management is also 100% electronic. An effort is made for the majority of proposals and invoices to be electronic with an established 75% in 2021. purple ornamental House/Tropicals pothos, dracaena, bromeliad, sansevieria, ficus, hibiscus
Responsible Resource Use Plants, Trees and Shrubs Provided to the Local Area Over 16,000 annual plants provided to local area Spring & Summer Annuals – 7,173 Such as: pansies, petunias, impatiens, coleus, lobelia, verbena, geranium, salvia, vinca vine Fall Annuals – 2,074 Such as: mums, kale, cabbage,
jasmine,
fountain grass,
PAPERLESS EFFORT
peppers
ENERGY
10.2683,995
ENERGY continued WASTE
AVERAGE MILES PER GALLON IN 2021 WITH GEOTAB TECHNOLOGY
Cubic yards of wood chips diverted from a landfill trucksChipper Tons of CO 2e avoided Cars off the road for a year Homes average yearly energy use 4,084 793 400 which is the same as which is the same as OR
INTRAVELEDMILES2021
Fuel Usage Geotab together with WEX allows for the tracking of fuel efficiency. Some fuel is provided via bulk fueling which is not included in annual reporting at this time. Bulk fuel, when available, is an efficient way to prepare the fleet without spending excess labor time and resources to travel to the nearest fueling station. Of the 79 vehicles with the Geotab tracking technology, the fleet traveled 683,995 miles in 2021. Of these vehicles the average miles per gallon was 10.2 in 2021. Unproductive idle time is currently being tracked along with miles per gallon efficiency. Wood Waste WOS gives trees a second life through the production of mulch. We use a tub grinder and coloring machine to make quality lawn ready mulch products thus reusing and repurposing this organic waste material. This sustainable option to wood waste keeps organic matter out of our landfills and offers many environmental benefits which may include: erosion control, absorption and filtration of stormwater, nutrient pollution reduction, carbon emission reduction, carbon sequestration and replenishment back to the soil, improved soil health, habitat restoration and more.
23 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
1,24518,671
24 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
WASTE continued Innovative Ideas
WOS takes an innovative approach to solutions. In addition to ongoing solutions to provide a second life to organic materials such as wood waste to divert this waste stream from a landfill through landscape mulch, quality timber for woodworking, and logs to be used for firewood, there are evaluations on the feasibility of hosting goats onsite or subcontracting with a local goat farmer to consume vegetative waste materials. Considerations to biochar as a solution to wood waste is an ongoing conversation on the cost effectiveness with new technology. Biochar is generated through pyrolysis, which is the heating of organic material in the absence of oxygen. This closed-loop system creates a stable form of carbon captured in the Biochar product. Biochar can then be utilized as a soil amendment to improve the soil’s structure which in turn increases its ability to retain nutrients and improves the water holding capacity leading to healthier soil.
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement Landscaping & Plant Design: Utilize permeable pavers as an option for landscape projects in 2022. Energy: Implement pilot testing program for battery transition on other equipment such as hedge trimmers with Husqvarna. Fuel Use: Evaluate Geotab and Gridline reporting to improve efficiency through reduction of unproductive idle time. Resource Use: Begin a GHG inventory (following the GHG Protocol and Corporate Standard), 2022 will serve as the base year. SUSTAINABILITYENVIRONMENTALGOALS
Wright Outdoor Solutions (WOS) supports activities that benefit our employees and add value to the communities where we live and work. Through monetary and in-kind donations such as labor or education, we’re able to support various causes and organizations that align with our values. We take pride in building and developing relationships with our employees, clients and communities.
ENGAGEMENTCOMMUNITY
our
Donation Amount: $6,640 Mulch, equipment, materials and labor.
Donation Amount: $25,776 Curated vignette with a custom designed tree, garland and wreath as well as credit toward event trees.
Saluting Branches Day of Service is the largest one-day volunteer event where the tree care and landscape industry can show their support for our troops by helping to make their final resting places a safe and beautiful environment for all who visit. The WOS team participated in the 7th annual event in October and provided planting, mulching and tree pruning to the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.
Volunteer Efforts: 9 volunteers donated 72 hours to landscape and tree care efforts.
events that were annual occurrences for WOS to support. Highlights in financial contributions was provided to 17 organizations for the 2021 fiscal year between WOS and WSC including in-kind totalcontributionspaidvolunteer hours during the workday in 2021 116$70,916 Larger Partnerships
27 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement VOLUNTEER EFFORTS & CONTRIBUTIONS
SALUTING BRANCHES DAY OF SERVICE
Saluting Branches honors American service men and women by organizing volunteer tree and landscape care for properties dedicated to our veterans.
WOS recognizes the important role that charitable and non-profit organizations play in local communities. In the past five years WOS has devoted volunteer time, financial contributions and in-kind resources to several organizations. WOS encourages employees to lend their voluntary support by offering eight hours of paid volunteer time per calendar year, per employee. As with many others, COVID-19 cancelled some
BLANK CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FESTIVAL OF TREES & LIGHTS
For the eleventh year in a row, WOS sponsored the Blank Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees & Lights. The event, held at the Iowa Events Center, is the largest fundraiser for hospital’s programming and is a central Iowa tradition to kick off the holiday season. As a sponsor, WOS decorated a holiday vignette to be on display at the event, complete with a tree, fireplace display and wreath. In addition, WOS offered a holiday lighting gift certificate to the silent auction and employees volunteered their time delivering decorated trees to recipients.
Volunteer Efforts: 1 volunteer donated 4 hours to help deliver trees to recipients post event.
continued
Our
VOLUNTEER EFFORTS & CONTRIBUTIONS
28 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
Auction - Children
-
- AIB
-
-
-
Sunday
WSC Funded As a member of the WSC family of companies, we also work in partnership with our corporate office to support organizations in the markets we serve.
-
Bravo Awards Gala ChildServe FORE! The Kids Golf Tournament Coaches vs. Cancer Charity Golf Classic Fighting Through Kinship - Trees Forever - Friends of Des Moines Parks FORE! Parks! Golf Tournament & Bike Ride Meals from the Heartland Mr. Blank Day - Variety Miller Lite Golf Invitational Waukee Palooza WDM Human Services Friends Foundation Supper
JOPPA SHARED ROOTS COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT WOS is proud to partner with Joppa Outreach on their Shared Roots Community Garden endeavor. The Joppa organization helps homeless individuals find housing and rebuild their lives through homeless services, housing development and education advocacy. Joppa developed the Shared Roots Community Garden in Des Moines’ Cheatom Park neighborhood. The garden provides free, fresh produce as well as a central gathering place for neighborhood residents. To make way for future site developments, the WOS team worked with Joppa to remove several designated trees along the garden’s fence. In addition to making way for future development, the removal opened the space to the downtown skyline view.
Donation Amount: $15,200 Labor and equipment. Volunteer Hours: 40 4 volunteers donated 40 hours to tree removal. Only also partner with some additional organizations in our community by making financial contributions in support of their fundraising efforts. Foundation & Families Iowa Tango
We
Donations
of
Silent Auction - Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Business on the Green Golf Outing
-
-
-
Jennifer Anderson conducted a virtual workshop for students across the state to learn about career opportunities in the landscaping, groundskeeping and greenhouse industries. The workshops are designed to cover multiple facets of job searching such as labor market information, applications, resumes/cover letters, interviewing, business tours and more.
29 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
WOS offers various internships, apprenticeships and job shadow experiences for local students that are interested in pursuing a career in the green industry. We also participate in local career fairs and career education events. Our employees find value and joy in bringing light to the wide range of career opportunities in our industry.
and
–
and NE - Community Chambers •
•
The Girl Scouts organization works to provide opportunities for female youth to gain hands on experience and better themselves and their communities. In November of 2020, the WOS team met with a local Girl Scout troop to educate on tree benefits and best planting practices. A member of the city parks service joined to help dig and plant while WOS discussed the type of tree, what to expect from it in years to come, narrated how and why the tree was being planted as it was, then hosted an open forum for children and parents to ask questions. Horticulture Association Better Business Bureau IA NE Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) IA City of West Des Moines City of Grimes City of Omaha City of Cedar Rapids Iowa Nursery & Landscape Association (INLA) Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) National Association of Landscape Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) International Society of Arboriculture
•
- American
•
Trees Forever Growing Futures Involvement
Girl Scouts
-
-
-
Professionals (NALP) -
YOUTH REPUTATIONINTERACTION
Iowa Vocational Rehab Services Virtual Career Workshop
(ISA) Company Memberships & Certifications Many WOS employees are active members of industry and professional organizations. We encourage our employees to get involved in the industries and communities we serve. Jennifer Anderson 2021-present serving on the board of Trees Forever Dennis Wilson 2020- 2021, serving on the Advisory Board for Mr. Blank Day with Blank Children’s Hospital Awards (Company) 2021TCIA Best of the West – Voted Best Landscaper West Des Moines Chamber Award 2019 & 2020 Best in Show Iowa Home & Garden Show Voted Best Local Tree Removal Company 2019 Cityview Best of Des Moines
-
-
–
-
The WOS leadership team hosted nine students for an afternoon of tours, job shadowing and industry education.
The arborist knows the trees and the crew knows the right way to trim them. I will not let anyone else touch my trees!”
JohnThe Wright team that supports me makes it possible for me to stay in the home I love. There is no way I could keep up with the outdoor maintenance without them! I am very grateful for how responsive they are to my needs and how courteous and helpful they are when I interact with them. Thank you to every one of them.”
Cheryl
David and Linda
Everyone from staff on the phone to the people who come to our house are always professional, knowledgeable and polite. Thank you.”
30 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement REPUTATION continued Conferences/Events - Build It - Cultivate - Holiday Bright Lights (HBL) Holiday Conference, Christmas Kickoff - Iowa Home & Garden Show - ISA - Landscape Software - NALP Landscape - Pro Landscape, Irrigation & Turf Conference - Trees & Utilities Online Compliments WOS utilizes a third-party online review platform to gain insights into customer satisfaction. The net promoter score (NPS) is a calculation based on a customer’s likeliness to recommend your company’s services to a friend or colleague. 7.6 7.8 FY2020 AVERAGE NET SCOREPROMOTER FY2021 AVERAGE NET SCOREPROMOTER
They are always on-time and professional. They do amazing work and our yard looks great as ever since they began taking on the lawn treatments. We are looking forward to them beginning our landscape design project.”
John and Kathleen
Berniece I am very impressed with the arbor crew and cannot say enough great things. They are fantastic and I really appreciate their work.”
The Wright Outdoor Solutions service crew did such a great job thinning deadwood and raising up the branches on my huge, old, loved catalpa tree. It looks great and I am reassured it will grace our property for some time to come. The crew was professional and skilled. I’ve already recommended them. I also had a landscaping crew install some anchor plantings and mulch in my front area. The installation crew was wonderful and mindful of nearby existing plantings.” Cindy They continue to monitor several of my trees on a regular basis and provide necessary treatment and maintenance.
Jim I have used Wright for many years at my business and my personal properties. Wright employees do a first-class job and always check with me before they leave to make sure I am satisfied with the results.”
Carline Wright Outdoor Solutions has done so much of our landscaping and we love the spring clean up and mulch!”
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement Contribution: Increase opportunities for employees to partake in volunteer events as a company and encourage volunteer opportunities outside of work hours. Youth Interaction: Create program to track career fairs attended. Reputation: Increase NPS in 2022. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GOALS
CLOSING Wright Outdoor Solutions and our employees strive to live out our values and will continue to improve our sustainable practices to ensure a safe and bright future for our employee owners. We’re committed to a better world for all, by investing in the communities we serve through innovation, integrity and teamwork. We want to ensure that the decisions we make today make a positive impact on our employees, clients, community and the environment.
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
An evaluation by EcoPractices®, a sustainability risk management tool from Sustainable Environmental Consultants, a WSC subsidiary, in partnership with WSC. This report is intended to showcase the sustainability journey of WSC, and their family of companies, dedicated to recognizing their responsibility toward their mission, vision and values for their employee owners, partners, clients, and the public. This preliminary Corporate Social Responsibility Report will be further expanded upon in the coming years to comply with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.
APPENDIX
34 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement WrightOutdoorSolutions.com © 2021 Wright Outdoor Solutions8000 Raccoon River Drive, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 // 515.987.0800