DeSantis Landscapes is thinking big on climate action, starting with a plan to decarbonize its fleet.
The company has a few distinct advantages: it is led by a sustainably-minded, purpose-driven team; it has the right culture and mindset for innovation; and its position as a leader in sustainable landscape practices gives it a unique role to play in sequestering carbon, supporting biodiversity and critical habitats, reducing heat island, protecting and managing water resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
DeSantis Landscapes history as a green company gives it another advantage. “To do green well, you’ve got to be green,” says Company President, Dean DeSantis. “Environmental stewardship is the foundation of our company. It goes beyond our commitment to nature-based solutions to how we do business. Case in point: Our offices are run with solar energy and we compost to build healthy soil and reduce landfill waste—two practical actions that cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. We’re harvesting technology and weather-based control systems to manage irrigation, and improving biodiversity with pollinator-friendly meadow plantings and nutrient-rich eco-lawns. And because water quality improvement helps landscapes withstand extreme weather, we’re installing and maintaining hundreds of bioswales that capture and filters stormwater. Decarbonization is a logical next step.”
“Transitioning to an EV fleet and equipment strategy has implications on every facet of fleet operations,” says Jeff Veraldi, who joined DeSantis Landscapes in 2023 as Fleet & Facilities Manager and is currently our net zero quarterback. The firm currently has four Teslas, a new Silverado EV, four autonomous mowers, and is transitioning its hand-held landscape equipment to electric. “While the upfront cost of electric might be a little higher, the long-term operational and maintenance costs are lower. Tax rebates and other incentives help mitigate the difference.”
The switch to EV is here to stay and comprehensive EV strategies are inevitable for companies like DeSantis Landscapes, which has long been tech- and data-centric. “So far, we’re tracking positive metrics in reduced total cost of ownership with decreased expenditures on fuel compared to charging, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower vehicle and equipment maintenance costs,” adds Jeff.
Getting emissions-free strategies right at the beginning cannot only make a huge difference in the outcome but increase the value landscape companies bring to create positive and lasting change. “Clean energy, fleet technology and infrastructure may feel like something to postpone, but it’s moving fast. Every organization with a fleet should be planning for an electrified future – the critical moment to start creating change is now,” adds DeSantis Landscapes Operations Vice President & Partner, Bryan Gyllen, who’s leading the firm’s overarching efforts to drive cost efficiencies and implement durable longer-term sustainability measures.