Downspout Boot Blog
Sustainability
Published on: 05/05/2020 8:09 AM
Downspoutboots.com products are designed and manufactured at the J.R. Hoe production facility in Middlesboro, KY, where high quality iron castings and steel fabrications have been produced in the same location since 1909. The common phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” has long been a core principle in our manufacturing process that extends into every branch of our operation today.
In addition to meeting the US Green Building Council’s criteria for various LEED Credits, J.R. Hoe utilizes sustainable practices to reduce its environmental footprint in the following ways.
PRODUCTION
Recycled content used in Downspoutboots.com products consists of a combination of post-consumer scrap generated and procured from in-state sources less than 250 miles away, and post-industrial scrap (rejects, drops, cut-offs) generated in our own facility.
As a “green sand” foundry, we also recycle and reuse 99% of our molding sand through a highly efficient, zero-emission reclaim system. The equipment used in the shakeout and reclaim process is designed with energy efficient natural frequency drive systems that reduce horsepower requirements, and variable speed drives (VSDs) which allow operating speed to be adjusted to load requirements.
OPERATIONS
All areas of the J.R. Hoe manufacturing facility are designed with natural lighting elements and/or energy efficient LED lights. Natural air flow is used for cooling all work zones and zero emission electric forklifts are used throughout the facility.
Over 50% of stormwater runoff on the J.R. Hoe property is captured on site through bioretention and infiltration, reducing the volume of runoff entering the stormwater system and contributing to a cleaner watershed.
SUPPLY CHAIN AND SHIPPING
Downspoutboots.com orders are processed in our Middlesboro, KY production facility then packaged and shipped directly to the customer, avoiding unnecessary freight to distributors and resale locations. Recycled packaging is utilized wherever possible and in-plant supplies are procured from the nearest available sources. Downspoutboots.com maintains a lean supply chain and distribution channel in order to minimize shipping-related carbon emissions to the greatest extent possible.
PRODUCT DESIGN AND LIFE CYCLE
Downspoutboots.com products are thoughtfully designed not to exceed the durability and load requirements for which they are intended, thus eliminating excess materials and resources required in manufacture.
The durability, longevity and low maintenance requirements of cast iron downspout boots contribute to a reduction in resources related to product maintenance and replacement.
J.R. Hoe offers its cast iron downspout boots free of coatings to completely eliminate the presence of VOC-emitting compounds. When coatings are required, powder coating is promoted as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional liquid paint.
The use of cast iron downspout boots often replaces polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC) pipes and fittings. The production, lifecycle and disposal of PVC products is believed to be among the most environmentally harmful in the construction industry.
Ferrous metals such as iron and steel on the other hand are among the most recycled materials worldwide, contributing to a reduction in resource demand and related environmental impacts.
SOCIAL
J.R. Hoe believes that a commitment to sustainability goes beyond protecting the natural environment. As a top priority, we are committed to the safety, success and well-being of our most valuable asset: our people. We pride ourselves in our award winning safety record and the team-oriented culture we have established as the industry’s leading manufacturer of downspout boots.
In addition, J.R. Hoe is an active participant in community development efforts, contributing significant resources, funding and volunteer hours to community programs ranging from creative place making projects to youth sports and public art. By embracing the social responsibility that goes along with a strong commitment to sustainability, J.R. Hoe believes that we can create a healthier, more sustainable world for current and future generations.
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» Custom Downspout Boots
» Downspout Boot Coatings
» Downspout Boot Overview
» Downspout Boot Sizes
» Sustainability
» Recycled Content and LEED
» Advantages of Cast Iron
» Fire Station Design
» Dowspout Damage
» Downspout Guards vs. Downspout Boots
» Steel Fabricated Downspout Boots