Volvo Reports Hybrid Equipment Could Save Fuel And Cut Emissions

According to Volvo Construction Equipment, new research shows that the construction equipment industry could reduce its carbon footprint by millions of tons a year and radically cut fuel consumption by a wholesale adoption of hybrid technology.

This was the message of a recent speech given by Volvo Construction Equipment’s Arvid Rinaldo. The presentation, to a group of international business journalists in Sweden, said that continuing research into diesel-electric hybrids showed benefits in fuel reduction, CO2 emissions and performance significantly larger than previously stated.

“Hybrids are not a gimmick – construction equipment responds extremely well to the technology,” said Mr. Rinaldo. “We are facing the very real prospect of fuel savings up to 50%, significant performance increases and a reduction in CO2 emissions in the order of millions of tons a year, if adopted industry-wide.”

Source Volvo Construction Equipment

Deere & Company Sets Goal To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Deere & Company recently announced plans to further reduce its total global greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent per dollar of revenue from 2005 to 2014. The company has committed to the reduction goal in conjunction with its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders program, which Deere joined in 2007.

"John Deere's greenhouse gas reduction goal shows the company's commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship," said Laurie Zelnio, Director, Safety, Environment and Standards at Deere & Company. John Deere locations worldwide will implement energy-saving projects to meet the target.

Climate Leaders is a voluntary industry-government partnership that works with companies to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies. Participants set a corporate-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal and annually report their progress to the EPA. Through program participation, companies create a credible record of their accomplishments, reduce their impact on the global environment, and identify themselves as corporate climate leaders.

John Deere's energy management program began in 1973 and requires company operations to implement energy-conservation initiatives and track energy use. In response to international global-warming concerns, Deere added a worldwide greenhouse gas emissions inventory program in 2003.

Deere's direct greenhouse gas emissions come from operations such as foundry, heat-treat, painting, powerhouse, and testing. Indirect emissions result from demand for electricity or steam.

Source: John Deere

Caterpillar Selects CleanAIR Systems As Partner To Reduce Emissions

Caterpillar Inc. recently announced they have selected CleanAIR Systems, Inc. of Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the Caterpillar strategic alliance partner for emission retrofit products. These products are installed into existing applications in order to reduce hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and diesel particulates.

According to Caterpillar, this alliance encompasses CleanAIR’s proprietary technology, custom engineering capability as well as flexible manufacturing of diesel particulate filters, oxidation catalysts, three-way catalysts and selective catalytic reduction catalysts.

Caterpillar will provide system integration capability, engineering and marketing support, as well as assistance to enable CleanAIR to meet the growing demand from the broad Caterpillar customer-base.

Source: Caterpillar

San Diego debates the issue of heavy equipment and pollution

The San Diego Union-Tribune features a story on the tough decisions over curbing diesel pollution from heavy equipment.

The state Air Resources Board is planning new emission standards for heavy equipment. A recent hearing drew a large crowd and representatives from both sides of the issue.

Environmentalists and health professionals argue that new pollution standards should be enacted quickly to protect public health.

Construction companies, and other businesses that use heavy equipment, fear the costs of strict pollution laws could ruin their business. In order to comply, the businesses say that they need more time prepare their equipment.

To clean up equipment pollution, businesses will need to install new filters and engines, or upgrade older equipment to newer, cleaner models.

The challenge of reducing emissions of off-road engines

For Construction Pros features a story on reducing emissions for Tier III off-road equipment.

Truck engines have emission regulations that require diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and other pollution-reduction measures. But what about smaller engines for off-road equipment?

Some of the new emission-reducing technology is adaptable for lower horsepower engines, but not all.

Are you having problems with ultra low sulfur diesel?

Ultra low sulfur diesel (or ULSD) fuel was introduced last year as part of an EPA mandate to reduce diesel pollution. While ULSD might reduce emissions, For Construction Pros reports that some engines are having trouble with the new fuel.

Complications with ULSD seem to happen when equipment is subjected to extremes in temperature and fuel reaches a "cloud point", causing waxy crystals to form.

While the problem appears to be preventable when steps are taken to clean and protect equipment fuel, contractors and other equipment users are frustrated to have another problem to worry about.

Have you had problems with ULSD in you heavy equipment? Did you find a cause...and a solution? Leave a comment and share your story.

Cleaner heavy equipment brings hidden costs

Cleaner heavy equipment means a cleaner environment, but it also comes with hidden costs. While the air is cleaner thanks to new emission standards, your wallet might be lighter as well.

According to story in The San Diego Business Journal Online, California construction companies are replacing their older diesel-powered heavy equipment, passing the expense along to consumers with higher prices.

New heavy equipment takes time to build. Companies make due with smaller equipment while they wait for orders on larger pieces.

The cost of the tougher emission standards are expected to drive bids up to 25 to 30 percent.