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ORCO Block & Hardscape awarded Most Sustainable Manufacturer

Words: Mustafa AbadanOne of Southern California's leading concrete masonry products producers, ORCO Block & Hardscape (ORCO) took home the award for Most Sustainable Manufacturer at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - Orange County Chapter's "Greenest in the County" Eco-Awards. The purpose of the Eco-Awards was to honor accomplishments in sustainable practices and to educate the public about sustainable businesses and leaders in the county.

Headquartered in Orange County, ORCO carries this same sustainability philosophy and commitment throughout all of their business endeavors including educational outreach, knowledge, resourcefulness and the continuous evolution of concrete masonry products.

"ORCO aims to set the industry standard for sustainable manufacturing processes," says Rick Muth, ORCO President. "It's important we continue our leadership in energy efficiency, waste reduction/recycling and water reduction achievements. We are honored the USGBC-OC Chapter chose us as their leader in sustainable manufacturing."

Since 1946, ORCO has employed dry cast manufacturing methodology - using just enough cement to provide specified strength for each project resulting in little waste. In fact, the company uses pre- and post-industrial recycled content in its batch designs along with other locally sourced aggregates. Together, these raw materials are innate with nature and provide a product that contributes to low impact development. For example, concrete masonry block walls do not require large staging areas for construction and provide thermal mass to lessen future air conditioning and heating loads.

"ORCO recognizes the importance of making sure our products and services contribute to efficient designs that allow for sustainability in our communities," says Veronica Slavik, Corporate Development Director and one of 6 LEED APs at ORCO. Slavik is part of the 3rd generation to work in her family's business.

ORCO product offerings include a broad range of options for LEED® opportunities and Low Impact Development (LID) which include:
  • 3rd Party Certified Recycled Content Block (ORCO CRC)
  • Hi R H pre-insulated masonry units (thermal mass benefits of concrete masonry)
  • "Environmental Collection" patented Cascada & Cascada Corte Permeable Pavingstones (a cost-effective method for managing and promoting stormwater infiltration)
Beyond ORCO's product line and involvement in existing local and national environmental programs, Eco achievements include their own environmental programs throughout 6 manufacturing plants. "As the area of environmental compliance continues to grow ORCO remains committed to evaluating its business practices within operations to fully understand its environmental impact," says Dwayne Gleason, ORCO Vice President and head of production. Gleason celebrates 50 years at ORCO this year.

ORCO recognizes its ongoing commitment as an innovative and environmentally friendly concrete masonry supplier and welcomes all opportunities, suggestions and discussion on sustainability.

USGBC — OC's "Greenest in the County" Eco-Awards were held on September 25th, 2014. Other Eco-Award Winners included LPA Inc., Snyder Langston, Chapman University and City of Anaheim Recognized with its 2nd Biennial Eco-City Award.
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