Celadon Trucking Services received a Sustainability Award in the category of “Air” from the City of Indianapolis for its initiative to improve fuel efficiency, reduce air emissions and educate employees on the importance of improving environmental performance and sustainability. One of five winners chosen from more than 70 applicants, Celadon’s Idle/Emission Reduction Project involves a comprehensive strategy to improve fuel efficiency and reduce idling-related air emissions from its over-the-road tractor fleet.
During the first three quarters of calendar year 2009, Celadon equipped 899 newly purchased tractors with fuel-operated heaters and ambient air temperature sensors. The ambient air temperature sensor prevents a tractor from idling for longer than five minutes when outdoor temperatures are between 20 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The fuel-operated heater is equipped with an ignition interlock device that prevents its operation once the tractor’s parking brake has been released, thus preventing a driver from using the fuel-operated heater while the tractor is in motion.
It is projected that the addition of fuel-operated heaters to the 899 tractors operating within the Celadon fleet will conserve about 1.2 million gallons of fuel annually and reduce the emissions of particulate matter (PM), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) by 6.29 tons, 222.68 tons and 13,359.14 tons, respectively.
“We believe our efforts to improve efficiency and move toward sustainable operations and practices have achieved meaningful improvements in our environmental performance coupled with significant operating cost reductions,” says Steve Russell, Celadon chairman and chief executive officer. “Our achievements demonstrate that companies can lower their fuel use, reduce air emissions and save money.”
Announced at a luncheon hosted by the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 9, Celadon was selected from three finalists in the category of “Air.”
“I applaud today’s winners and all of our 2009 applicants for their outstanding work toward making Indianapolis one of the most sustainable cities in the Midwest,” says Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “We’re partners with business and nonprofit communities in this effort, and we look forward to continuing to work together to make Indianapolis truly sustainable for future generations.”
