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BrightView (NYSE: BV), the leading commercial landscaping services company in the United States, today published its 2023 ESG Report, highlighting progress toward achieving its environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance (ESG) goals and commitments. The report is available on the BrightView ESG website.

“Reflecting on fiscal year 2022, I am extremely proud of our team’s progress amid an increasingly challenging and dynamic environment. We’ve taken important steps on our journey to becoming carbon neutral by 2035, building a diverse and engaged workforce, and continuing to operate with integrity,” said Andrew Masterman, BrightView President and Chief Executive Officer. “Supporting our team members, inspiring communities, and nurturing landscapes is at the heart of what we do every day at BrightView. I believe our purposeful ESG strategy positions us for continued success, while supporting our clients’ sustainability objectives.” 

To further inform and focus the Company’s ESG strategy, BrightView commissioned a materiality assessment to identify ESG topics of the greatest importance to its customers, vendors, team members, and investors. Moving forward, the Company plans to use the study’s insights to proactively engage with all stakeholder groups.

“As a company dedicated to designing, developing, and maintaining the best landscapes on Earth, prioritizing sustainable solutions is core to who we are. We’re invested not only in making a difference in the communities where we work, live and play, but also in promoting a healthy planet,” said Masterman.

Highlights from the 2023 ESG Report

Environmental

• Deployed ~1,000 battery powered, zero-emission handheld equipment units

• Converted ~400 vehicles to hybrid or electric

• Partnered with Arbor Day Foundation to plant nearly 300,000 trees

 Social

• Conducted BrightView’s first team member engagement survey

• Continued to diversify our workforce by increasing the percentage of women and Hispanic/Latino team members in managerial roles

• Sustained a total recordable injury rate below the landscaping services’ industry average

 Governance

• BrightView’s Board maintains oversight of societal and other matters affecting the Company’s stakeholders and the environments in which we operate

• Seven of eight Board members remain independent, with the average tenure of directors under five years

• Continued to use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired team members

For other BrightView Landscapes stock information or other financial reports, please visit our investor website.

This second ESG Report covers BrightView’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, activities, and achievements for FY2022 (October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022). The report was informed by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Professional and Commercial Services Sector Standard. We will continue to evaluate evolving ESG reporting regulations and adapt our reporting methods to ensure compliance with current standards and guidelines.

(Updated Winter 2023)

As part of its ongoing effort to convert its fleet of vehicles to electric, BrightView, the nation’s leading commercial landscaping company, today announced the purchase of 100 electric-powered Chevrolet Bolt EUVs that will be put into service across the country, beginning this month. With the deployment of these new cars, BrightView’s management fleet is now comprised of nearly 400 electric and hybrid vehicles.

Over the next four years, the company’s aim is to convert its fleet of 3,000 field managers’ vehicles to electric and hybrid. Today’s announcement – and similar enterprise efforts – is a part of BrightView’s overall environmental sustainability strategy of reducing its carbon footprint and becoming carbon neutral by 2035.

“As a company dedicated to developing, designing, and maintaining the best landscapes on Earth, we are continually seeking sustainable solutions that minimize our impact on the environment,” said Andrew Masterman, BrightView President and Chief Executive Officer. “The addition of electric and hybrid vehicles is yet another example of our commitment to investing in the future of our planet and achieving our environmental goals.”

BrightView’s Sustainability Journey

BrightView’s quest toward carbon neutrality began more than 10 years ago and continues today by incorporating sustainable practices into its everyday operations to help protect and preserve the environment. These measures include, but are not limited to:

• Continuing to electrify its fleet of 11,000 vehicles to reduce emissions

• Converting gas and two-cycle landscaping equipment to battery power

• Utilizing smart technology in irrigation systems to reduce water usage

• Moving its real estate infrastructure to green and sustainable energy

Did You Know?

• BrightView is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 300,000 trees throughout the U.S. by January 2023. These trees are in addition to the more than 80,000 trees and millions of shrubs, ornamentals, and grass BrightView plants annually.

• BrightView provides water-efficient landscaping services and partners with clients to reduce their water and energy use. The mix of smart irrigation strategy and technologies – along with client education – contribute to overall water efficient practices.

For more information on BrightView’s commitment to sustainability, visit www.BrightView.com.

Could you do more with less? When it comes to water management, it’s possible. Follow these 10 tips to lower your usage without feeling the pinch.

1. 

   BE THE EARLY BIRD

   Water early in the morning, just before dawn, to reduce evaporation due to sun and wind.

2. TUNE-UP REGULARLY

   Leaks in your irrigation system or inefficient watering can run up your water bill. Regular inspection by an irrigation professional enables timely repairs and sprinkler head adjustments to avoid waste.

3. SAY "NO WAY" TO SPRAY (except for lawns)

   Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are a better choice for planting beds. Save the spray heads for lawns, where it’s a more efficient choice.

4. KNOW "WEATHER" TO IRRIGATE

   Install rain shut-off devices and ground moisture sensors so you’re only watering when absolutely necessary.

5. LOW IS NOT THE WAY TO MOW

   By keeping your grass at a slightly longer length, you’ll increase ground shade and water retention in the soil.

6. SWEEP IT UP

   Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.

7. 

   TAKE OUT THE TURF

   Replace lawns in unused areas with native, drought tolerant plants, xeriscaping, hardscape, or fruit & vegetable gardens.

8. MAKE YOUR (LANDSCAPE) BEDS THE RIGHT WAY

   By adding compost and dressing your beds with a 2–3-inch layer of mulch, you’ll improve water retention, soil health, and reduce weeds.

9. MAKE A SMART SEASONAL SWAP

   Instead of water-guzzling seasonal flowers, fill beds with drought-tolerant flowering shrubs instead.

10. BE A SUPER SAVER WITH REBATES

    Save money on turf conversions, irrigation upgrades and more with rebates from your local water authority. Your landscape partner can help you explore the latest offerings!

If ever there was a reason to change up your landscape strategy, a once-in-a-millennia mega-drought ought to be it. As the Western United States remains in the grips of punishingly dry temperatures and increasing water restrictions, you can stay above the fray with some simple tweaks. Here’s what our experts recommend:

Look at the Big Picture to Identify Your Priorities

Before getting into specific drought-survival tactics, consider your overall landscape and think about:

1. Focal Areas - What do customers or tenants see first when they enter your property? What areas have the most traffic?
    
2. Trees - These are some of your most expensive assets. Make preserving heritage trees a top priority.
    
3. Budget - Assess how much you can invest in water-saving updates to irrigation and take into account the resulting water cost savings.

Conduct an Irrigation Evaluation

Updating and/or modifying your irrigation can save considerable water. If possible, reduce run times (particularly in less visible areas) and make sure your irrigation system is in good repair. If budget allows, even minor improvements can make a big difference. Below are our top recommendations; your landscape partner can help nail down what would make the biggest impact for your circumstances.

• Smart Controllers
• Low-Volume/Drip Irrigation
• High-Efficiency Nozzles
• Flow Sensors and Master Valves

Learn more about the various types of irrigation and system components here.

Go for Drought-Aware Landscape Design

You can’t change the water needs of your existing landscape. But you can change the landscape itself. If you’ve got swaths of high water-use landscape, consider these options to reduce consumption:

• Turf Reduction/Removal (check with your water authority for rebate programs)
• Reduced Plant Density
• Removal of Ground Cover/Plants in Tree Root Zones
• Perennial Plants to Reduce/Eliminate Need for Seasonal Plantings
• Mulch in Tree Wells and Selected Areas

Learn more about smart alternatives here, or see how one client was able to save 765,000 gallons of water annually with smart swaps.

Use Water-Wise Horticultural Techniques

Updating and/or modifying your irrigation can save considerable water. If possible, reduce run times (particularly in less visible areas) and make sure your irrigation system is in good repair. The following can also help:

• Mowing Turf Higher, as Denser Grass Prevents Evaporation of Water from the Soil
• Maintain Mulch at a Depth of 2-3 Inches to Better Maintain Soil Moisture
• Group Plants with Similar Water Needs for More Efficient Irrigation (a Technique Called Hydrozoning)
• Aerate Lawns, Which Can Increase Water Absorption
• Reduce Shrub Shearing to Help Eliminate New, Water-Thirsty Growth
• Deep Root Watering For Trees
• Add Temporary Drip Lines Around Trees

Learn More about Smart Water Management

When you conserve water, you’re benefitting your community and the environment at large. But you don’t have to go it alone. Our water management experts are here to help. Get individualized support when you schedule a free consultation.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day, BrightView (NYSE: BV), the nation’s leading commercial landscaping company, today announced a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 300,000 trees throughout the U.S. by March 2023. The projects supported by BrightView will help restore forests and ecosystems impacted by wildfire, deforestation, and invasive species, across nine states.

“Whether through our sustainable landscape design or reforestation projects like this, BrightView recognizes the importance of investing in solutions that contribute to a healthy planet,” said Andrew Masterman, BrightView President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud to partner with the Arbor Day Foundation knowing these trees – and the trees, flowers and other vegetation we plant every day – will continue to make a difference in and have a long-term impact on the communities in which we live, work and play.” 

These trees are in addition to the more than 80,000 trees and millions of shrubs, greenery, and grass BrightView plants annually as part of its best-in-class landscaping work. As the trees planted by the Arbor Day Foundation mature, they will help to clean the air, filter water, sequester carbon, and support vital forest ecosystems.

“The world needs trees now more than ever and partnering with organizations like BrightView helps us achieve the planting scale we need to drive meaningful impact,” said Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The positive benefits from these planting projects will last for years to come.”

The tree plantings, led by the Foundation and selected to represent BrightView’s nationwide reach, will occur at private land locations across South Carolina, California and Texas, as well at Bladen Lakes State Park in North Carolina; Blackwater River State Park in Florida; Willamette National Forest in Oregon; Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in Idaho; Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia; Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park in Florida; Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park in Florida; and Little River State Forest in Alabama.

For the past 50 years, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked to plant nearly 500 million trees around the world. Through a vast network of partnerships, the Foundation facilitates projects that empower organizations of all sizes to reach their environmental and sustainability goals via measurable, impactful work.

As a company that prides itself on developing and nurturing landscapes that inspire and enhance communities, deploying environmentally sustainable strategies and solutions is the keystone to what BrightView – the nation’s leading commercial landscaping company – does on Earth Day and every day.

“Our team members not only create and maintain the best landscapes on Earth, but they do so with sustainability top of mind,” said Andrew Masterman, BrightView President and Chief Executive Officer. “Taking these measures to ensure future generations enjoy a cleaner and greener Earth is core to our beliefs. It’s who we are. It’s how we operate.” 

Aligning with its enterprise-wide Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy and as outlined in its 2022 ESG Report, BrightView is committed to minimizing its impact on Mother Earth.

As the landscaping industry’s leader, BrightView’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 90 percent and becoming carbon neutral by 2035 resides this infographic on its five-step approach:

• Stewardship: Actively engaging with industry partners and suppliers to lead a transformation towards the Company’s environmental goals.

• Sustainability: Helping to sequester carbon by continuing to plant trees and through the sustainable design and maintenance of landscapes.

• A Cleaner Fleet: Converting the Company’s fleet of 11,000 vehicles to electric and hybrid alternatives.

• Greener Equipment: Rapidly converting approximately 35,000 pieces of 2-cycle gas-powered equipment to rechargeable energy sources by 2025, resulting in a greater than 50 percent reduction in BrightView’s carbon footprint.

• Efficient Buildings: Replacing outdated equipment and appliances with energy-efficient alternatives in the 300 properties BrightView currently owns or leases.

BrightView Team Members Celebrate Earth Day

BrightView team members nationwide are marking Earth Day 2022 by participating in local events, enhancement projects and celebrations and making a further positive impact in the communities where they live and work, including:

• Cleaning and sprucing up the landscaping at various Boys & Girls Clubs of America locations in Philadelphia

• Planting a tree and releasing lady bugs at a resort in Las Vegas

• Planting and nurturing flower arrangements at a military base in Tucson, Ariz.

• Educating children about the importance of Earth Day at a community celebration in Milpitas, Calif.

• Distributing seasonal flowers, herbs and trees to Florida office park tenants   

• Setting up a booth and handing out succulents and educational materials in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Irrigation can sometimes feel out-of-sight, out-of-mind; after all, the lion’s share of your system is underground. But for our irrigation specialists, water management is something they live and breathe, even in the winter months. They know their jobs are crucial to addressing the Southwest’s persistent drought, a task that requires year-round attention. See how Regional Irrigation Manager James Carr and his teams tackle it head-on.

Wintertime is the Right Time to Improve Irrigation

It’s the first week of the new year, and while most of us are still in a post-holiday lull, James is in California. Given the mild temperatures, few people are thinking about droughts, but for James and our Orange County irrigation technicians and client service teams, it’s very much top of mind. They’re in the midst of a deep dive field training on Preventative Maintenance Irrigation Inspections, fine-tuning how to catch problems before they require costly repairs. 

Though it may seem counterintuitive, winter is the best time to improve irrigation systems. No one wants their irrigation system offline for repairs in the heat of summer. That’s why the teams are hitting the ground running. Not long after, James is off to Las Vegas, then San Diego to run the same training with teams there. James calls it “keeping the pedal to the metal.” There’s no off-season in irrigation.

It Takes a Village

Over the years, irrigation has become higher tech and advancements in water management have created the need for specialists. Yet while the drought problem is universal, the knowledge of how to address it is not. Sharing information is critical. 

That brings James to the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association, where he teaches an irrigation training for 50 individuals. They’ve come from landscape companies throughout Arizona.

“All have the goal of raising the bar for our industry and achieving better water management skills,” he said.

James isn’t just leading the class, he’s leading change. He’s a certified board member for the Irrigation Association Certification Board. He also serves as Co-Director of Education and sits on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association (ALCA). What he’ll teach in his class he’s successfully put into practice himself. In 2021, he accepted an Outstanding Landscape Contractor of the Year award from the ALCA. 

Starting on the Right Foot

With summer approaching, James keeps “the pedal to the metal.” To prepare for spring, he lead a series of intense, 3-day trainings throughout the southwest region with a focus on spring start-ups. Spring start-up refers to the process of de-winterizing an irrigation system. Since irrigation represents a significant investment for many clients, it’s important the system is maintained properly to ensure its longevity. Breaks and leaks aren’t just costly for the client if not caught soon enough, they can also exacerbate drought conditions. 

In this section of the training, irrigation specialists are huddled over their phones, studying intently the content on their screens. While it might look like they’ve found something more interesting than their training, they’re actually wrapped-up in researching the ET-- evapotranspiration-- rates for their area. Evapotranspiration refers to how quickly water moves from the earth’s surface into the atmosphere. They use this information to build irrigation schedules for their clients. James, meanwhile, is excited for those clients. 

“They’re in good hands!” he said proudly, before enthusing about the magic of smart controllers. “If you don’t understand the magic behind them, you’ll never fully appreciate the efficient tool that they are!” Thanks to James and his team, it’s safe to say a lot more people appreciate that magic. And while they may not actually be magicians who can singlehandedly make drought conditions disappear, they’re doing a lot behind the scenes to make them smaller. 

How will you celebrate Earth Day this year? If you’re at a loss for ideas, we’ve got a solution that’s perfect for teambuilding with coworkers, enhancing your residential community, or creating a hands-on educational activity for kids. Get ready to get your hands dirty and have some fun. We’re going to show you how to build a pollinator garden!

The Benefits of a Pollinator Garden

The theme of this year’s Earth Day celebration is “Invest in our Planet,” which invites us all to act boldly, innovate, and implement solutions. Pollinator gardens are an easy way to make an investment that will pay dividends for years to come, both in appearance and benefit to the environment. Pollinators-- which includes insects like bees, moths, butterflies, and small mammals like bats-- play a critical role in the growth of crops and plants. This contributes to the overall health of our ecosystem, from the quality of our soil to the cleanliness of our air. 

In recent years, pollinator populations have been in decline worldwide due to loss of habitat, invasive species, poor nutrition and pesticides. You can help reverse that trend by creating a pollinator garden. 

How to Create a Pollinator Garden

In just 5 easy steps you’ll have a beautiful garden to enjoy all year-round. Grab your gardening gloves and a trowel. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Select a Location

Find a spot that offers protection from wind. It can be shady or sunny; just take note of how much sun the location receives and at what time of day as this will inform the plants you choose. You’ll also want to take note of the type of soil you have, such sandy, rocky, or clay, for the same reason. And finally, consider whether the location may need protection from deer or rodents. If restricting their access isn’t possible, you can select plants resistant to the critter in question in the next step.

Short on space? Not a problem! Your pollinator garden doesn’t have to be large to make an impact. Consider a container garden, which has the added benefit of being movable. You can even have each participant plant their own small container to take home. 

Step 2: Select Your Plants

Find native pollinator-friendly plants that are well-suited to your region and the conditions of your planting site. Check out these handy pollinator planting guide cards for each region, provided by the National Park Service, for helpful suggestions on plants that will work well in your area. Seeds or plants are both fine choices, but keep in mind if you choose seeds, you’ll need to wait until fall or late winter to plant so they have time to germinate ahead of the summer growing season.

As you decide what to plant, consider bloom time and color. By planting a diverse mix of colors, annuals, and perennials, you’ll have a colorful variety of blooms throughout the year. Just be sure to group plants of the same kind together, which makes it easier for pollinators to find. You might also want to add some host plants for butterfly larva, which will increase the butterflies present in your garden. Research the foods butterflies in your area like to eat. For example, monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed.

Step 3: Prep the Site

If you’ll be planting in-ground, clear any existing plants, especially invasive species. Then, till the soil to make planting easier. Finish with a layer of topsoil, followed by an inch or two of organic compost if available.

For container planting, select a pot with drainage holes, or use a drill to add one to the bottom. Then, fill the pot with a high-quality potting soil. Plan for each container to hold plants with similar needs for sun and water to ensure long-term success.

Step 4: Plant!

Layout or sketch how you plan to arrange your plants before you begin to dig. Planting in a dense arrangement-- roughly 1 plant every square foot-- will help deter weeds and make watering more effective and economical. Place taller plants toward the middle and shorter plants on the outside to maintain easy access throughout. 

Step 5: Maintain & Enjoy

Take note of the care instructions for each plant and water as specified. Some may need extra watering as the plants get established. If weeds appear, remove them by hand instead of using weed killers, which could harm the pollinators. For the same reason, you’ll also want to avoid using pesticides or chemical fertilizers. 

In the fall, leave dead stalks or cut back no lower than 15” tall, so pollinators can use them for shelter or to lay eggs. Deadheading-- which means removing spent flowers-- can help tidy up your garden and encourage more blooms, however it’s a matter of preference. Some people like to leave the expired flowers as food for hungry birds.

And that’s it! Five easy steps to make an impact this Earth Day both you and Mother Nature can enjoy. If you’re looking to take it one step further, add a bench or seating nearby for prime wildlife watching. Enjoy the returns on your Earth Day investment!

This Earth Day, we want to share the scope of our environmental impact, the tangible effects we’ve made -- and can continue to make -- together. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Invest in our Planet,” which invites us all to act boldly, innovate, and implement solutions.  In today’s chaotic world, it can feel difficult to make an impact as an individual, but by partnering with BrightView we’re able to affect bigger change together.

Eliminating carbon from our own operations represents BrightView's biggest opportunity to contribute to a healthy environment and be a leader in our industry. This infographic illustrates our approach to achieving carbon neutrality.