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F2 Environmental Design 2022

Business Information
Name of Organization: 
F2 Environmental Design
Organization Type: 
Business Description: 
Managing the environment responsibly is a challenge that requires philosophical and behavioral change. The environment needs to be approached as a complete living system with a myriad of interacting parts both above and below the surface of the soil. We need to understand these components, how they work individually, and as part of a larger complex system in order to encourage and manage this valuable resource. F2 Environmental Design bases it's landscape management techniques on encouraging and maintaining the natural living systems, through soil management techniques, applying custom blends of compost, liquid biological amendments often referred to as “compost tea”, and other biological amendments. This is all done at the site or at the nursery where specialized compost recipes are prepared for the specific needs of each project. The biological principles of nature are utilized to fulfill the needs of each landscape. This is a process based, diagnostic approach. This is important not only for the individual characteristics of each landscape, but the performance requirements of each project. This along with the data collected in regards to plant palette, soil characteristics, macro, and micro environments, is what F2 Environmental Design utilizes to make it's remedial recommendations. The health and vitality of our projects are unrivaled in the industry and many are trying to mimic F2ED techniques. F2ED is staying ahead of the curve and on the cutting edge through continued research and development, often partnering with institutions such as Harvard & Princeton Universities.
Business Location: 
United States
37° 5' 24.864" N, 95° 42' 46.4076" W
Renewal Date: 
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Waste
Waste Reduction
Description of Action: 
F2 Environmental Design is located on a 26-acre farm. Most farms of this size would create a mass amount of waste on a daily and weekly basis. F2 is committed to maintaining a 100% sustainable farm, which includes waste reduction. Between compost and recycling, we have reduced our garbage to less than one (20 gallon) garbage bin per week. All other waste is composted or recycled, with 100% of food and organic waste composted.
Food Waste
Lbs Saved: 
14560
Description of Action: 
At F2 Environmental Design, 100% of food waste is composted. We have an elaborate compost production facility, allowing us to produce our own soil. Our composting facilities include thermal composting, which converts organic waste, and worm composting which breaks down food waste. Along with these forms of composting, we also have Bokashi composting which breaks down meat and dairy food waste.
Energy
Renewable Energy
Description of Action: 
As part of F2's commitment to sustainability, part of the farm is heated through solar panels located on the property. This is how the greenhouse stays heated during the winter months. This has not only allowed for the company to save money on maintaining the property, but also allows for the company to receive compensation for SREC's. From this year alone, the SRECs have compensated the company an average of $3,250.00, and has saved the company an average of $2,400.00.
kWh Saved: 
19,250
Money Saved: 
2,400
Industry-Specific
Industry Specific Practices
Description of Action: 
F2 begins every management project by analyzing the soil environment and determining the best solution to organically restore the natural nutrient cycling capacity of that specific soil environment. This environmental restoration improves nutrient and moisture availability and retention, suppresses disease, aerates the soil, degrades harmful pollutants and ensures the long-term success of the design. We have created a liquid biological amendment application and system that can correct imbalances in soil, that could harm a plant. This system is done through composting material to create Compost Tea. Compost Tea is a liquid biological amendment created from a combination of different composts, specific to the type and needs of the plant material. The process consists of first placing compost in a water medium. Next, oxygen is added via an air pump, which diffuses the compost and encourages beneficial organisms from the compost to enter the water. Finally, both fungal and bacterial foods are added to the water so the organisms can grow and multiply. These foods include fish emulsion, kelp, molasses, soy or wheat flour, and humic acid. The result is a brew that is full of beneficial soil organisms. During the brewing process, bacterial populations, on average, double every half hour. Compost tea, when applied properly, helps to correct imbalances that may exist in the soil. Applications are particularly beneficial for trees and lawns for which a high percentage of organic matter is undesirable, but which need the beneficial organisms. By encouraging a diverse, balanced microbial soil environment, we build an effective natural nutrient cycling system, avoiding the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Industry Specific Other
Description of Action: 
Launched in March of 2008, the Harvard Yard Project was a two-part study conducted within a designated one-acre test plot. One part was an effort to demonstrate the effectiveness of organic landscape management techniques by balancing the soil biology to increase nutrient cycling capacity, reduce water usage and compaction, and minimize the need for nitrogen application. Results were measured on a biweekly basis through November 1, 2008. The second part of the study was to demonstrate the transferability of the technical and philosophical aspects of the organic land management program to the Harvard Facility Maintenance Operations Landscape Services Division (FMO) so that it could be successfully continued and expanded in the future. This was and continues to be done through the transferal of diagnostic techniques, appropriate environmental response, composting recipes, and methods of compost tea application. The project was very successful. Today 85 acres of the campus that is maintained by Harvard FMO has been transitioned to a fully organic program.
Finished Application: 
1
required_descriptions: 
6
Member Since: 
Tuesday, July 21, 2020