Midwestern-based construction companies G.E. Marshall, HRP Construction, and Ozinga are taking strides to reduce their emissions and improve the industry’s effect on air quality. By implementing alternative fuels, electric off-road equipment, and other advanced technologies into their daily operations, these companies are building a cleaner Indiana.
G.E. Marshall, HRP Construction, and Ozinga are all members of Indiana’s sole Clean Cities and Communities coalition, Drive Clean Indiana, which works to build partnerships that help promote fuel-saving technologies and practices. The coalition helps its members live the mission of sustainable transportation through grant writing, funding acquisition, project manage-ment, education, and outreach. The following details the innovative ways these companies are taking action:
G.E. Marshall
G.E. Marshall has performed exca-vation, roadwork, demolition, and site work for over 62 years. During that time, the company has re-invested substantial funds to purchase crushing and screening equipment to recycle concrete and asphalt from on-going projects. The recycled products are used on new projects rather than sent for landfill disposal. This creates a closed-loop recycling system that keeps virgin material usage minimal. An average of 25,000 tons of concrete and 20,000 tons of asphalt are recycled annually.
HRP Construction
To reduce its emission output, HRP Construction has transitioned to all battery-operated handheld tools charged with electricity generated from sunlight. Each of HRP’s crews utilizes a storage container equipped with a battery charging station powered by a solar panel. This initiative has reduced HRP’s reliance on gaso-line and diesel-powered generators, and electrical power from the grid.
Ozinga
Ozinga has a long-standing commitment to sustainability. By using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like Fly Ash, Slag, and Silica Fume, they can produce cement mixes with up to 70 percent recycled material. This greatly reduces the amount of waste production and virgin materials required.
Ozinga also uses CarbonCure technology which injects recycled carbon dioxide into the concrete using their plant’s existing batching system. The technology improves the compressive strength of the concrete, reducing the amount of cement required.
With the help of Drive Clean Indiana, Ozinga has cut its annual GHG-100 emissions by 25 percent through its adoption of renewable natural gas-powered front and rear discharge ready-mix trucks. The fuel is produced by the decomposition of organic matter, most commonly acquired from dairy farms.
Lum Sadiku, Ozinga Director of Energy and Sustainability said, "At Ozinga, our mission is to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and the community for generations. By embracing sustainable practices like CarbonCure technology and renewable natural gas-powered trucks, we're not only reducing our carbon footprint but also building a more sustainable future for all."
In addition to their work to help companies like Ozinga and GE Marshall achieve their sustainability goals, the Clean Cities and Communities coalition will host its highly anticipated 2024 REACT (Renewable Energy & Advanced Clean Transportation) Expo on Nov. 19-20, 2024 at the Blue Chip Casino's Stardust Event Center (777 Blue Chip Drive) in Michigan City. The event will encompass a full day of insightful breakout sessions, networking opportunities with industry leaders and elected officials, and a showcase of the latest sustainable trans-portation technologies. To register, call Drive Clean Indiana at (219) 644-3690 or visit drivecleanindiana.org.
