Aggregate Industries target CO2 emissions

AS part of their ongoing commitment to the environment, Aggregate Industries have launched a new initiative to reduce their relative carbon dioxide emissions by 12.5% (from a 2003 baseline) by the end of 2010. All 450 of the company’s sites across the UK are taking part in the initiative.

Carbon dioxide and its effect on the global climate has remained at the top of the international environmental and sustainability agenda. With an estimated 158.5 million tonnes emitted in 2004, and levels in the atmosphere set to rise to previously unrecorded levels, Aggregate Industries are encouraging their employees, contractors and suppliers to review their emissions.

Andy Spencer, UK environmental advisor at Aggregate Industries, explained: ‘Carbon dioxide emissions from our business are a direct result of energy use. Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and energy use both improve the profile of our business and reduce the ‘environmental footprint’ of our products.

‘In 2003, the average amount of CO2 produced per tonne of product sold was 9.2kg; we aim to reduce this to just below 8.1kg. Since 1999 we have been monitoring and reporting on our energy use and CO2 emissions and are aiming to make significant savings through optimized operation, plant-replacement programmes and new equipment that has been designed for maximum efficiency.’

Aggregate Industries say their new energy-saving campaign illustrates practical and simple ways in which all staff can contribute and reduce emissions throughout the plant. This includes mobile plant operators not starting engines until ready to drive, keeping tyres in good condition and at the correct pressure, and driving smoothly and economically by avoiding high revs and excessive speed.