"Green" Company Thrives in Struggling Economy

Jeremy Hunt - noemail@earthwormjobs.com — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Fort Collins, Colo.-based Clean Air Lawn Care has expanded its green reach from the lawn to include the building. With the purchase of 415 Mason Court in Fort Collins Colorado, Clean Air Lawn Care has a new home and has entered into LEED-certified real estate development. The purchase on Sept. 30 was the official launch of Clean Air Real Estate.

Despite all the chaos in the financial markets, people’s concern for the environment is holding steady. Clean Air Real Estate plans to develop and build green real estate across the country with its national franchise network. And its network is growing. During these difficult times, Clean Air Lawn Care is still seeing growth through new franchises and through new customers in existing markets.

Clean Air Lawn Care is a lawn maintenance business that uses clean electric and biodiesel powered equipment. The vehicles hauling this equipment have mounted solar panels which charge the electric equipment during the workday. The equipment is clean and quiet; the fertilizer is organic; the business is carbon neutral. The company started out of a garage in 2006 and is now a national franchise.

Entrepreneur Magazine identified the green (environmental) industry as one of seven industries that have the potential to make you a million. The top franchises in each industry were recognized in the October 2008 print issue. Clean Air Lawn Care was named as one of the top 5 green franchises in America. Kelly Giard, founder of Clean Air Lawn Care, will be speaking at the 2009 PROGREEN EXPO in January.

In 2008, Clean Air Lawn Care removed 32,000 pounds of air pollution equaling more than 1,000,000 vehicle miles. The recent change in EPA regulation of gas powered lawn equipment supports the idea that clean is the way of the future. As does the inclusion of the use of electric lawn care equipment in the newest LEED certification process for existing buildings.

Every weekend 54 million Americans mow their lawns. Gallon for gallon, 2006 lawn mower engines contribute 93 times more smog-forming emissions than 2006 cars, according to the California Air Resources Board. Clean Air Lawn Care’s business model brings the emissions associated with lawn care down to zero. The company hopes to serve as an example for other businesses trying to minimize their impact on the environment.

For further information, please contact Gerry Keane, president of Clean Air Lawn Care at 203/245-6111.

27-Nov-08 7:00 AM

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"Green" Company Thrives in Struggling Economy