Cementos Argos launches new sustainable trucks
Published by Lucy Stewardson,
Editorial Assistant
World Cement,
Cementos Argos, part of Grupo Argos, will be the first cement company in Colombia to implement alternative transportation options that aim to benefit the environment. New Cementos Argos trucks will operate 100% on gas and concrete mixer trucks will have electric tops.
The company recently linked this alternative transport operation to its bulk hoppers, covering two routes: from Cartagena to Barranquilla and from Cajicá to Bogotá. Compared to conventional vehicles, the new trucks reduce particulate material by 98% and noise pollution by 15%, benefitting both the planet and drivers. Cementos Argos has noted that this initiative is possible due to the efforts between Faw, Promigas, Renting Colombia, and Transportempo.
Sustainable concrete mixer trucks are also set to begin operation soon, travelling in Medellín and Bogotá. Against traditional technologies, these hybrid mixers mark a milestone in sustainable mobility for freight vehicles in the construction industry.
Some of the environmental benefits of the hybrid system compared to conventional equipment include the reduction of CO2, CO, and particulate material emissions by about 40%. There is also a decrease in the generation of noise by approximately 10 decibels, due to the use of electric power. Fuel consumption is also lowered by 40%, alongside the 100% elimination of the consumption of hydraulic oil and the generation of hazardous waste. The vehicles’ electrical systems also mean that, when concrete is being unloaded, the pot can continue to rotate when the vehicle is turned off. This prevents the generation of emissions during this process. Finally, a fast and efficient recharging system can be completed while the equipment is parked.
In addition to this, and as part of its commitment to use more sustainable mobility, Argos has introduced electric forklifts for operation at its Distribution Centre in Medellín. With these, as well as the company’s new sustainable vehicles, operation efficiency has been improved.
“We have set ourselves the goal of progressively migrating our fleet towards these alternatives,” said Tomás Restrepo, Vice President of the Colombia Region at Cementos Argos. “It is a commitment totally consistent with our plan to have a more responsible operation every day and with the implementation of innovative initiatives, two of the strategic pillars that we have as a company. We hope that this proposal will inspire more and more companies and people committed to the same causes: sustainable mobility and the environment.”
According to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, Cementos Argos is the most sustainable cement company in the world.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/05112018/cementos-argos-launches-new-sustainable-trucks/
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