Lafarge reduces CO2 output thanks to greener tippers18 August 2010

An investment in lighter, more fuel efficient tippers is helping Lafarge's transport fleet greatly reduce its carbon footprint.

Weight savings of at least 200kg have been achieved on the trucks, thanks to slimmer and lighter tyres and redesigned bodies and lifting gear. This means each of the nine new trucks can carry an extra 200kg of load, improving fuel and delivery efficiency.
Nick Elliot, Lafarge UK's national transport manager, explains that the eight-wheelers were developed with body manufacturers Wilcox and PPG as well as tipper ram suppliers Hyva and Edbro. He also says that they have been on the road for three months, and are already showing benefits.

"We have made simple changes that have added up to quite a remarkable achievement," states Elliot. "The new trucks offer a 0.3 litre saving per delivered tonne on fuel. Over three months, they have been able to carry an extra 324 tonnes of material, compared to the old trucks, using the same amount of diesel."

Elliot reveals that the company has saved 16 lorry movements and reduced carbon emissions by 2,268kg. "Take that saving over a year and it's more than nine tonnes of carbon not being released into the atmosphere," he furthers.

"This may not be a huge amount in the grand scheme of things but every little helps and we all have our part to play in protecting the environment."

Development of the trucks took just nine months and Lafarge plan to introduce more of the new designs into the fleet. Further fuel efficiency initiatives are also planned as part of the company's sustainability commitment to operate in the most environmentally responsible way possible.

Author
John Challen

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