Environmental Focus Program - Corna Kokosing Construction

Transcription

Environmental Focus Program - Corna Kokosing Construction
Environmental Focus Program
Reinforcing our Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Who We Are
“We seek to balance the interests of
community, environment and development.”
In 2011 the Kokosing management team determined that
the company and its affiliates needed to increase our focus
on our environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Out of this management meeting, an Environmental Focus
Team was created to address how we as a company can
reinforce our commitment to environmental sustainability.
The team includes representatives from several of the
companies within Kokosing.
One of the team’s firsts tasks was to develop a purpose
for this group. The purpose statement that was arrived
upon is:
In further defining the purpose, the team wrote a letter
of commitment. Included in the commitment are three
practices which reduce our company’s environmental
impact:
• Provide a broad based program of value added
initiatives that weave sustainable business practices
into the fabric of all company operations.
• Be a leader in encouraging our clients,
subcontractors, suppliers and partners to
incorporate sustainable construction practices into
their operations.
• Continue to educate and train our employees to give
them tools to integrate sustainable practices into
their daily activities and culture.
Early on, the environmental focus team analyzed our
core ideology and determined that sustainability is
consistent with each tenet laid out over 20 years ago
and it becomes clear that this commitment is woven
into our foundation, and always has been.
This pamphlet outlines the initiatives and policies that
have always been in place within our company, the
new ones being put in place, and some exciting new
ones on the horizon.
We strongly believe that when we make business
choices and personal choices, those are not just
about today and now, not just about us or just about
our client’s; the choices we make will leave a legacy
for those who follow us and create new footprints on
this earth. As a family business, we believe in leaving
a lasting legacy.
Please note that this pamphlet will always be a work
in progress as we continuously strive to minimize our
environmental impact.
Sustainability is nothing new for Kokosing.
Kokosing Industrial, Inc. | Kirtland Pump Station Rehabilitation | Cleveland, OH
2011 Build Ohio Award Winner and LEED Silver Certified
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Contents
Environmental Commitment
Environmental Policies
Vehicle & Equipment Idle Reduction Policy
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel & Alternative Fuel Policy
Smoke Free Workplace Policy
Environmental Programs
Equipment Monitoring System
Reduction of Supplies
Document Management
Office Recycling
Reuse of Scrap Materials
Proper Storage of Materials
Environmental Education: Focus Months
Life Cycle of Material
Energy Conservation
Recycling and Reuse of Construction Materials
Steel Recycling
Recycling Motor Oil
Fuel: What Can You Do To Save?
Jobsite Lumber Recycling
Recycling and Reusing Office Supplies
Asphalt Recycling
Winterizing to Save
Personal Health and Welness
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Environmental Commitment
Kokosing has always taken the environment into consideration; this is not
something new. For example, our recycling program has been active for
over 10 years, and our vehicle and equipment idle reduction policy has been
monitored for over 3 years.
Looking back to the summer of 1998, we started construction of an employee
training center where we could train our own staff in a facility that would be
familiar and comfortable for our employees. As we began this building we set
out with two concurrent missions: to develop a space that was customized
to the activities that would take place under its roof, and to give back to the
community. The training of employees in our own facilities became a reality
with the 2000 opening of the William Burgett Center of Learning, located on a
reclaimed lake just a few miles from our Fredericktown, Ohio headquarters.
The training center is equipped with presentation space, breakout conference
rooms, fully equipped kitchen, and individual computer training stations. To
meet our goal of giving back to the community, not only did we reclaim a
gravel pit, we also made this a sustainable building by installing geothermal
heat pumps. Geothermal heating uses Earth’s heat which is a renewable,
clean energy source. According to the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can
reduce energy consumption, and corresponding emissions to their surrounding
environment by up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with
standard air-conditioning equipment.
William Burgett Center of Learning
Our Westerville, Ohio office, which houses Corna Kokosing and Kokosing
Industrial, is applying for LEED Silver certification. Kokosing is constantly
striving to leave a sustainable legacy and a better environment for our future
generations. We look forward to installing these sustainable methods, and
others on more of our facilities as the opportunities arise.
We are also thinking green in how we get to, and around our jobsites. Among
our company fleet of vehicles, we currently have hybrid vehicles that save
on emissions and costs on a daily basis. Kokosing maintains a very modern
equipment fleet as well. Our current off road equipment fleet is at least 50%
Tier 2 or greater, and with newer Tier 3 and Tier 4 equipment purchases
this improves yearly. A Tier 4 emission level is up to a 90% reduction
in particulates and 50% reduction in nitrogen oxides. Also, many of our
company-owned pieces of equipment currently utilize solar power, including
message and arrow boards, and fuel monitoring boxes. Incorporating newer
technologies and equipment results in substantially cleaner emissions, making
our jobsites cleaner and, overall, is better for the environment.
Westerville, Ohio Office
Recently purchased Tier 3 excavator that
replaced a Tier 0 Cat 245 excavator.
Kokosing, Inc.
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Environmental Policies
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel & Alternative Fuel Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel
(USLD) and alternative fuels, such as biodiesel blends, in Kokosing equipment in an effort to
provide cleaner emissions and reduce pollutants generally associated with High Sulfur Diesel
Fuel. This is a vital step in preserving the environment and improving air quality, which are
both very important to Kokosing.
Scope
This policy applies to all Kokosing projects that operate diesel powered vehicles and
equipment, on road or off road, while performing work on Kokosing projects regardless of the
project location.
Definition
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel – Is a clean burning fuel that has a maximum sulfur content of 15
ppm.
Low Sulfur Diesel – Is a diesel fuel that contains a maximum sulfur content of 500 ppm.
Blended Biodiesel – Is a cleaner burning alternative fuel that contains biodiesel and
petroleum to create a Biodiesel Blend. Biodiesel blends are denoted as “BXX” where “XX”
indicates the percentage of Biodiesel contained in the blend, such as B20 indicating the blend
contains 20% Biodiesel by volume.
Vehicles/Equipment – For this policy, vehicles or equipment refers to cars, trucks, vans
and all equipment powered by an internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel.
Policy
On road applications – All on road diesel powered vehicles will be fueled with Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel fuel or a suitable biodiesel blend; B5, B10 or B20.
Off road applications – All off road vehicles and equipment with diesel powered engines
will be fueled with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel where available or suitable Biodiesel blend; B5,
B10 or B20.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Vehicle & Equipment Idle Reduction Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for controlling unnecessary idling of all
vehicles and construction equipment used in Kokosing operations. By limiting idle times,
air pollution and greenhouse gases are reduced, use of fuel becomes more efficient, and it
contributes to a healthier work environment. Kokosing is committed to reduce unnecessary
equipment idling for these reasons.
We have found that it costs up to $4 per hour on our diesel trucks and $1 per hour on pickup
trucks when they are left idling. This does not even consider the increase in maintenance
when equipment has to be serviced more often due to the increased hours. With over 200
company pickup trucks and 150 CDL vehicles on the road, if each driver saved just 1 hour of
idle time each day, we could save over 55,000 gallons of gasoline per year, not to mention
other maintenance products. Unnecessary emissions into the atmosphere, as well as future
maintenance costs, can be avoided by simply turning off the equipment.
Scope
This policy applies to all Kokosing employees that operate vehicles or equipment on any
Kokosing property or jobsite. Kokosing encourages all subcontractors and partners to also
comply with this policy where possible.
Definition
Idling – Idling means the operation of a vehicle or equipment while they are not in motion
and not being used to operate auxiliary equipment that is essential to the operation of the
vehicle or equipment.
Vehicles/Equipment – For this policy, vehicles or equipment refers to cars, trucks, vans
and all equipment powered by an internal combustion engine that uses unleaded or diesel
fuels.
Policy
Initial Warm-up – Idle time up to 5 minutes is allowed for vehicles and equipment during
their initial shift warm-up and at subsequent times when the vehicle or equipment is being
re-started after a prolonged period of shut down that result in a condition similar to those
prior to initial shift warm-up.
Shutdown - Diesel equipment should only be turned off after enough time has passed to
allow the proper circulation and cooling of the engine oil, coolant and turbo chargers, not to
exceed 5 minutes.
Gasoline & Alternative Fuel Vehicles – No operator/driver shall idle the engine of an
unleaded fuel vehicle in excess of 1 minute if the vehicle is stopped for a foreseeable period
of time.
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Equipment – No operator shall idle the engine of diesel fueled
equipment in excess of 5 minutes if the equipment is stopped for a foreseeable period of
time.
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Vehicle & Equipment Idle Reduction Policy
(continued)
When engines must be left running for any reason, the operator must remain with the
equipment, except when the equipment is equipped with an auto-shut-off device that is
engaged, such at the end of the shift.
Exceptions
This policy does not apply to the following situations where operators must use their own
discretion.
Where engine power is necessary for an associated power need such as, but not limited to,
electrical power, compressed air, welding and various power take-off devices such as auxiliary
hydraulics.
Vehicles may idle for the purpose of defogging, defrosting or deicing windows. However,
idling must end once those conditions have been eliminated. All attempts should be made to
use other means, such as scrapers to remove snow, ice or frost before idling is used.
Where safety may be compromised by shutting down the engine, vehicles and equipment
may idle at the discretion of the operator.
Extended idling periods may be necessary for the well being of the operator during the winter
season with below zero temperatures, and during summer periods of extreme heat.
Where extended periods of time are required to bring the equipment up to proper and safe
operating temperatures, such as heat paver screeds or tar kettles.
Where equipment is engaged in an operation that could compromise the quality of the job,
such as asphalt equipment on a hot mat waiting for trucks, unless the plant is down for an
extended period of time.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Smoke Free Workplace Policy
Policy
A smoke free policy has been developed to comply with Ohio’s indoor smoking ban under
a new chapter of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) effective Dec. 7, 2006, and to protect
all employees and visitors from secondhand smoke, an established cause of cancer and
respiratory disease.
All areas of the workplace are now smoke free without exception. Smoking is not
permitted anywhere in the workplace, including all indoor facilities and company vehicles and
equipment. Smoking is not permitted in private enclosed offices, conference and meeting
rooms, cafeterias, lunchrooms, or break areas. “No Smoking” signs must be clearly posted at
all entrances and on bulletin boards, bathrooms, stairwells, and other prominent places. No
ashtrays or other smoking receptacles are permitted in any indoor area.
Compliance with the smoke free workplace policy is mandatory for all employees and
persons visiting the company, with no exceptions. Employees who violate this policy are
subject to disciplinary action.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Environmental Programs
The Environmental Focus Team (EFT) has further developed a number of specific
programs that can be utilized in our employees’ daily lives. Below you will find
descriptions of, and methods to achieve our group-wide environmental programs.
Some of these have been in place for years and will receive increased focus and
training, while others are new, as a result of the EFT. It is the responsibility of
every associate to support these efforts that protect our environment.
Equipment Monitoring System
In 2012 we installed new equipment monitoring system boxes on our
midsized (non-operated pieces of equipment that burn diesel fuel, such as:
air compressors, large generators, welders, diesel pumps, etc) and operated
equipment (dozers, graders, excavators, backhoes, etc.). With this new
monitoring equipment fuel use throughout the group is monitored through
the Divelbiss system. Use of this system on our equipment allows pieces of
equipment to “talk to” each other, transferring fuel consumption and equipment
performance data to our equipment maintenance division.
Benefit
The Divelbiss system has provided beneficial data for use by the Maintenance
Division and Operations Group as well. We use this information to identify high
fuel consumption equipment, determine if we may have a mechanical problem,
look at replacing a piece of equipment, or figure out if we have conditions
requiring additional analysis or even theft problems. By analyzing this data our
fleet of equipment and our personnel become more efficient. This benefits the
environment and our business as it improves/modernizes our fleet and reduces
fuel consumption and the impact on our surroundings.
Basic Divelbiss Box
Advanced Divelbiss Box Installed on a Dozer
Reduction of Supplies
By reducing the ordering quantity of everyday office supplies and jobsite
materials, as well as providing reusable items such as coffee mugs, Kokosing
has positively impacted our daily affect on the environment around us.
Push to Fuel button and “Fuel Not Needed”
Strobe Light Indicator
Paper and toner are Kokosing’s most frequently purchased office supplies.
By finding ways to reduce consumption in these areas we benefit both the
environment and the company. When feasible, office supplies containing
recycled materials are purchased.
Signage is placed in all copy areas reminding employees to only copy and print
what is necessary. Additional documentation is available detailing the copier’s
features that can be utilized to minimize waste. The majority of our copiers
have features such as duplex copying and sample copy buttons that can reduce
the amount of paper used. In addition, each copier’s standby settings are set to
levels that maximize energy efficiency.
Since small desktop printers (especially ink jet) are inefficient and expensive
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
Kokosing makes all effort to reduce the waste
of unused office supplies and to purchase items
containing recycled materials.
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to operate, all offices and job trailers utilize shared network printers for their
printing needs. The IT department should be contacted to select a printer that
is scaled to handle the office’s workload. Operating the minimum number of
machines per location will reduce toner and energy consumption.
We are continuing to minimize the purchase of fax machines, while
implementing the use of fax servers throughout the Kokosing. These servers
allow each employee to have a dedicated fax number that will come directly
to his or her e-mail box. Outgoing faxes can then be sent via e-mail without
having to print documents. These servers will not only dramatically decrease
paper and toner consumption but will also decrease telephone line costs.
In an effort to protect our employees and the environment, a conscience
effort is being made to purchase environmentally preferable products where
practicable. Environmentally preferable products are those products that
have a lesser or reduced impact on human health and the environment. Our
purchasing staff will look to purchase products with low toxicity levels and high
amounts of recycled content when quality and price are not adversely affected.
Benefit: By offering sustainable solutions for office supplies and easy recycling
of office supplies, we aim to improve our impact on the environment.
Document Management
In an effort to reduce paper, all documents will be shared in an electronic format whenever possible. Employees are
encouraged to utilize programs provided by the company, such as SharePoint, Bluebeam, Invoice Router, On-Screen, etc.
To reduce the amount of energy required to print and store files, paper files should only be used when required by law or
a project guideline/specification. All offices are equipped with scanners which can create PDF images of any document.
Documents should be scanned and attached in the appropriate software applications or stored on other electronic media.
Benefit: By reducing the number of times we print, we will minimize our paper use and save our company money, while
reducing our paper waste into the environment.
Office Recycling
All permanent Kokosing offices shall have a facility specific recycling plan establishing how waste generated by the facility
shall be recycled, including but not limited to paper, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans.
All broken or obsolete office equipment such as: phones, computers, copiers, printers, printer cartridges, and fax
machines will be returned to Fredericktown for recycling. Kokosing currently has relationships with several vendors who
recycle these products.
Benefit: By providing recycling options that are convenient, we will maximize recycling company-wide to benefit our
environmental impact.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Trash Compacting
In an operation like ours that generates large amounts
of scrap material and trash, disposal costs can add up
to a significant expense. Even if the waste is recyclable,
it is almost impossible to cover the heavy labor and
transportation costs by selling it. As Kokosing searched
for solutions for disposal methods we found that trash
compactors not only reduce these costs but also reduces our
carbon footprint through reducing the amount of truckloads
and landfill space to dispose of the materials.
Benefits
In the Fall of 2012 we purchased an Auger-Pak compactor
which provides Kokosing the following benefits:
• The machine compacts the large pieces of trash that
are inevitable in our business, and the ‘3-dimensional’
shredding feature ensures the waste is reduced to
smallest cubic yard.
• Items that cannot be recycled are reduced volume in
order to save space at landfill.
• Kokosing has reduced our dumpster pulls to the
landfill by 5:1 which cuts down on the use of open-top
containers and trucks to haul away unprocessed waste,
which saves on transportation costs, fuel, and emissions
into the environment.
• The design of the hopper and trash receptacle ensures
that there are no hazards to employees loading the
compactor, as well as no environmental spills
• The compactor runs on electricity and no fuel is needed
which means there are no hydraulics and there will be
no oil mess or spills.
• The automatic shut off feature reduces wasted energy.
• The compactor will pay for itself in less than five years
with the savings on dumpsters and hauling to landfills.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
Auger-Pak Trash Compactor at the Fredericktown, Ohio Office
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Reuse of Scrap Materials
Most projects undertaken by Kokosing will yield scrap
materials, many of which can be recycled or reused. The
Yard, located at the Fredericktown office, is the main
location where these left over materials are housed and
organized. Using these items on future projects will only cost
that project the transportation to the site. Before ordering
new materials all employees should consider this inventory.
To capitalize on the available resources in the Fredericktown
Yard, we have developed an electronic inventory of supplies
with photos and descriptions, which is available to all
employees via SharePoint. Other Kokosing Group permanent
office locations have similar material supplies as well.
Fredericktown, Ohio Yard
A list of potential scrap materials will be analyzed by each
project team at the project’s handoff meeting. This list will include but is not limited to: copper, steel, concrete,
asphalt, millings, and lumber. A plan will be put in place at this meeting as to how these materials will be collected
and reused or recycled. Throughout the project, teams will review materials that are available for recycling and or
reuse. Surplus materials will be made available for use on other projects.
There are numerous examples within our companies where material is recycled for reuse, in lieu of throwing it away.
Factoring these available materials in while planning our projects we significantly improve our environmental impact
as well as increase cost savings for our clients. We will continue to educate all personnel on ways to cost effectively
recycle and reuse material.
Minimize Over Ordering
On the reverse side of reusing leftover materials, analyzing and conducting cost calculations before ordering
materials, at the onset of a project, can save the project just as much in dollar value as in environmental impacts.
When we calculate the cost to ship excess supplies to the Fredericktown Yard; the cost to store materials at
Fredericktown; or send excess material back to a vendor, any discount for initially ordering in bulk is negated.
Benefit: Unnecessary waste of unused materials is avoided. Pre-planning saves money and our environment.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Proper Storage of Materials
Annually, Kokosing has to properly dispose of materials that were stored
improperly. Some of these materials become hazardous waste when not
stored properly originally, and can be costly to dispose of. Proper preplanning can eliminate hazardous materials on our sites.
Proper storage of materials includes:
•
•
•
•
All barrels and containers (full or empty) should be stored on their sides
to prevent contamination with water. If material is stored under a roof,
they may be stored upright.
Materials subject to freezing should be protected from the cold
by moving them inside if possible. If cold weather is approaching,
arrangements should be made to ship materials to a facility where there
is adequate heating and storage.
Materials with a limited shelf life should not be permitted to spoil on your
job. Time should be taken to call other jobsites that might have use for
the material. Also call the Works Department if you can’t find a taker.
The cost to dispose of hazardous material is sometimes greater than the
cost to purchase.
If you have hazardous waste to dispose of, the Human Resources
Department must be contacted. No one is to dispose of hazardous waste
on their own. If you have any questions as to what type of waste you have,
please call the Human Resources Department. If you have hazardous waste
on your project, the cost of waste removal and disposal will be negotiated by
Support Operations.
Benefit
By considering and pre-planning for the shelf life of materials on our projects
we can minimize waste. Investigate winter storage capabilities and be sure
to not over order product. Pre-planning will increase profitability of our
projects and be healthier for our environment and landfills.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Employee Education
Focus Months
Each month an environmental/sustainable theme is expanded into an educational piece and distributed to all employees.
Topics include everything from recycling lumber, paper, boxes, steel and concrete, to fuel savings awareness, and more.
The Environmental Focus Team puts these educational pieces together to raise awareness and train all Kokosing
employees. These initiatives are shared with each jobsite, as well as with our subcontractors and vendors, as one of
our commitments is to assist our subcontractors and vendors to embark on this journey with us. Here are some recent
examples:
Life Cycle of Material
The lift cycle of material has gained more attention lately because of the focus on environmental impact over the past
several years. No matter which side of the fence you are on with respect to this topic, one thing is clear and that is
efficiency is king. The more efficient that we can be in our jobs and in our personal lives, the more profitable we can
be and the more we can reduce our environmental impact.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Life Cycle of Material (continued)
Material Extraction
This is where it all begins. The old adage of “If it can’t be grown in has to be mined” is still true.
Everything comes from the earth. This take place in the form of mining, drilling and forestry.
Manufacturing
Once the raw material has been extracted, it’s time to convert that raw material into a more usable
form. One example of this would be the refining of crude oil into its various components such as
gasoline, kerosene, butane and so forth. Another is the mining of construction grade aggregate
(quarrying) and turning this aggregate into another usable form such as concrete. In its simpliefied
form, concrete consists of stone (mined), sand (mined), Portland cement (mined and processed in a
cement mill) and water.
Construction
This is the step where the manufactured material is used to build an end product, such as a road or
home. Did you know that the average 2,000-square-foot, single-family home contains 17 tons of
concrete?
Product Use/Occupancy/Maintenance
After the end product has been built, it is time to put that product to use. During this stage of the
cycle, the product, such as a home or road, will be used extensively and maintenance is required.
The better we maintain a product the longer it will last.
Disposal
Almost all products have a useful life and then they must be disposed of. This is a very critical step
in the lift cycle process because often times these materials can be recycled and reused.
The one common denominator between all of the steps is that each one of them requires energy
and money. The more efficient we are in each step, the more we can reduce the amount of energy
and money that is required to exsist as a company and in our personal lives. This can be as simple
as taking the time to plan out your project and only buy exctly what you need in materials, as
opposed to over ordering just to make sure hta twe have all the bases covered. What ends up
happing a lot of times is that at the end of a project, we find that we have a lot of leftover lumber
and hardware for example. The excess material ends up going back to the Fredericktown Yard or
in the case of home projects, it ends up in our garages, basements and storage sheds collecting
dust. It takes a lot of resources to obtain the materials needed for a job but it also takes a lot of
resources to get the excess material off of the jobsite and into storage.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Energy Conservation
Since the dawn of time people have been using energy to create fire for light, heat, cooking
and for safety. The United States is the second-largest single consumer of energy in the world,
behind China. The types and rates of energy consumption in the world is extremely controversial
and diverse. The four major sectors are: transportation, residential, commercial, and industrial.
Transportation and Residential sectors make up about half of the energy consumption. This
means that what we drive and where we live is half the story.
Transportation
• 65% of the energy used in transportation are personally owned gasoline vehicles.
• Diesel powered transports like trains, ships and heavy haul trucks consume about 20%, and
air traffic consumes most of the remaining 15%. As a vehicle driver you can directly affect
energy consumption.
• The most effective ways to help fuel consumption are moderate driving as opposed to
aggressive, using cruise control, driving at lower speeds, and turning off a vehicle’s engine
rather than idling.
• Kokosing’s vehicle and equipment idle reduction policy has established guidelines to
limit idle times, air pollution and greenhouse gases are reduced, use of fuel becomes
more efficient, and it contributes to a healthier work environment and energy
conservation.
Residential
• Using programmable thermostats and setting the temperatures to a wider but still tolerable
range depending on season.
• Upgrades to more energy efficient equipment that produce the heat and air will also greatly
reduce the amount of fuel and electricity used.
• Unplug electronics not in use (or use a power strip with an on/off switch), it takes a lot of
energy each year to keep the date on that DVD player or old VCR blinking 12:00 every day.
• Replacing old single pane windows with more thermal efficient double or triple pane window
• Proper amounts of insulation installed in critical areas in the home will reduce heat and air
loss and help conserve energy throughout the year.
Commercial and Industrial make the other half of energy consumption. Increased costs have forced energyintensive industries to make substantial efficiency improvements over the years. These improvements include recycling
waste material and the use of more efficient equipment for electricity and heating. Kokosing continuously tries to make
improvements that make business and financial sense.
• Variable frequency drives installed on electric motors take a motor that usually runs at a constant speed and allows the
motor energy output to match the required load. This achieves energy savings ranging from 5 to 60 percent depending
on how the motor is used.
• Warm Mix Asphalt which uses less energy to produce, reduces emissions, saves 10 to 15% in fuel usage, and improves
worker safety.
Everything we do in our personal and professional lives affects the amount of energy we consume. Energy conservation
reduces the amount of total dollars spent and resources consumed. Think about what you can do and how you can assist
in keeping Energy Conservation a driving force not a reactive solution.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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FOCUSED ON:
recycling & reuse
of construction materials
Put a plan in place to reuse what you can and recycle the rest!
JUST THE FACTS
According to the Construction Materials Recycling Association, construction and demolition waste are the largest
sources of trash in the United States. The Association says 325 million tons of recoverable construction debris are
generated in the United States each year. Most times, all that metal, concrete, wood, block and asphalt ends up in
a landfill.
FACT #1
THE U.S. RECYCLES ONLY ABOUT 2 MILLION TONS OF PLASTIC A
YEAR WHILE RECYCLING AND REUSING OVER 60 MILLION TONS OF
ASPHALT PER YEAR
Plus, plastic recycling alters the chemical structure, so many plastics become different types
of products once recycled. Roads, on the other hand, are reusable and renewable infinitely.
kOKOSING IN ACTION
One of the most important environmental impacts Kokosing has made over the years is the recycling of
asphalt pavement. Over the last eight years, Kokosing Materials, Inc. has recycled over 3.5 million tons
of Recycled Asphalt Product (RAP) that would otherwise end up in landfills. Recycling also conserves our
natural resources such as limestone and gravel aggregates along with liquid asphalt derived from crude oil.
The trend for increased RAP usage will continue as the cost of these natural resources rises. Kokosing’s goal
remains to keep this material from being wasted in landfills.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
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Kurtz Scrap from
lumber recycling
Columbus Locations:
Groveport
2850 Rohr Rd.
Groveport, OH 43125
614.491.0868
FOCUSED ON:
recycling & reuse
of construction materials
Westerville
6055 Westerville Rd.
Westerville, OH 43081
614.882.0200
FACT #2
Dublin
6279 Houchard Rd.
Dublin, OH 43016
614.873.2000
Structural steel isn’t just recycled but “multi-cycled,” as it can be
repeatedly recycled. It is truly a cradle-to-cradle material.
Cleveland Locations:
Bridgeview
5603 Canal Rd.
Valley View, OH 44125
216.986.7031
North Royalton
10789 Royalton Rd.
North Royalton, OH 44133
216.276.4823
Avon
1180 Miller Road
Avon, OH 44011
216.986.7033
dumpster suppliers/
haulers
Contact Renee for dumpsters
740.694.6315 X264
The fee to dump is typically half the
cost of taking scrap wood to a landfill.
other
considerations
Nails in scrap lumber are not a
problem for Kurtz Bros.
No OSB board in scrap wood
dumpster - too much glue.
Each jobsite will need to develop a
plan to ensure that no construction
debris (besides scrap lumber) goes
into a “wood only” dumpster.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
STRUCTURAL STEEL PRODUCED IN THE u.s.
CONTAINS 93.3% RECYCLED STEEL SCRAP
kOKOSING IN ACTION
Recycling is an integral part of what Kokosing does on its projects from
scrap steel associated with our old equipment, demoed bridges and
buildings and miscellaneous steel nearly every day. By planning, we can
haul scrap steel to a recycling facility and sometimes we can reuse steel
like bridge beams on future projects. In addition to the obvious economic
benefits of the value received for scrap steel, we are saving energy and
natural resources. In order to find steel recycling centers near your project
or your home, The Steel Recycling Institute (www.recycle-steel.org) maintains
an online database with more than 35,000 recycling options around the
country.
FACT #3
machines can easily grind wood waste
into useful products
Mulch, particleboard and many other products are just a few
examples.
kOKOSING IN ACTION
Kokosing has partnered with Kurtz Brothers to take scrap from lumber,
pallets, process equipment wood crates, etc. which are converted into
flower bed mulch. Depending on the location of your project, Kokosing
has several Kurtz Brothers’ locations and several dumpster suppliers that
will pick-up and deliver these “wood only” dumpsters to Kurtz Brothers at a
reduced fee. This program is currently available in two Ohio jobsite markets.
Additionally, keep in mind Kurtz Bros., Inc. can help in earning LEED credits
by documenting the incoming materials to their construction demolition
facility.
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Recycling Motor Oil
Having a commitment to protect the environment for you as well as
generations to come can be thru recycling motor oil from your car, truck,
motorcycle, RV and lawn mower. When you recycle this keeps the oil from
contaminating our lakes, fields and streams. Many are not aware that they
are harming the environment by putting it in their normal garbage or emptying
their used oil into storm drains. Improperly disposing of oil means it can
contaminate your drinking water, damage your communities water treatment
system and costing everyone money in the end. According to the American
Petroleum Institute “just one gallon of used oil can contaminate 1 Million
gallons of water”.
Motor oil can be reprocessed into fuel that can be used in furnaces for heat,
or in power plants to generate electricity. It can also be uses in industrial and
utility boilers, and blended for marine fuels. And finally it can re-refined into
lubricating oils that meet the same API specifications as virgin motor oil.
Be sure to store your used motor oil in a container that will not leak, and do
not mix other substances like antifreeze or transmission fluid with the used
oil, and label the container “used oil”. Most car part stores, service stations,
car repair facilities and quick lube places will take oil without a charge. A good
source for finding recyclers and environmental service providers is the Ohio
EPA’s website. www.epawebapps.epa.state.oh.us. We have also put a list on
Sharepoint under the Environmental Tab named Ohio EPA Recycling Vendors.
We all share the responsibility of protecting our environment and keeping
everyone safe. By recycling our oil it allows us to continue to be safe and enjoy
the environment that we take for granted every day.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
19
Steel Recycling
This existing steel bridge being removed over the CSX Railroad
(right) is an example of steel demolition projects being done
by Kokosing nearly everyday. This steel was hauled to a scrap
steel recycling facility in Akron, Ohio. In addition to the obvious
economic benefits of the value received for scrap steel, we are
saving energy and natural resources. For each ton of steel that
is recycled, 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and
120 pounds of limestone are conserved.
Recycling is an integral part of the steelmaking process because
the use of scrap steel lowers the environmental impact of
steelmaking, as well as the total cost of producing new steel.
The North America steel industry uses one of two types of
furnaces to make new steel. Both furnaces recycle old steel
products into new steel, but each is used to create different
products for varied applications.
The basic oxygen furnace, uses an average of 25% steel scrap
to make new steel. The other type of steelmaking furnace, the
electric arc furnace, melts more than 90% steel scrap to make
new steel. Iron foundries also melt steel scrap to make new iron
products, which contain about 75% scrap.
For each ton of steel that is recycled, 2,500
pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120
pounds of limestone are conserved.
Overall, steelmakers recycle more than 68% of the steel they
produce. Ohio’s steel mills use more than 10 million tons of
recycled scrap each year. So as you can see, the demand for
scrap steel is very high.
In order to find steel recycling centers near your project or your
home, The Steel Recycling Institute (www.recycle-steel.org)
maintains an online database with more than 35,000 recycling
options around the country. Most communities now offer steel
recycling options so please take advantage of these triple bottom
line opportunities to save money and improve our environment.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
20
Fuel: What Can You Do To Save?
With the price of fuel expected to top $4 per gallon by the end of summer now
is the opportune time to analyze our driving habits and see what we can do to
reduce our fuel consumption. It’s not practical for all of us to drive a fully electric
or hybrid vehicle, but there are several steps that each of us can take to make
sure that our vehicles are performing at their best. Here are ten items that
each of us can do at work and at home to have a positive impact on both the
environment and our wallets.
1. Minimize vehicle use. This is the most effective way to save fuel.
Consider walking, bicycling, or using public transportation when practical.
2. Drive in the correct gear. Driving in too high or too low of a gear will
decrease fuel economy and creates unnecessary wear and tear on the
engine and transmission.
3. Drive smoothly. Rapid acceleration and constantly changing lanes will
decrease fuel efficiency and increase tire wear.
4. Minimize idling. This is a good time to review Kokosing’s Idling Policy.
Remember the ten minute rule, equipment should not be idled for more
than ten minutes when warming up or cooling down. Pickup trucks should
not be kept idling, most pickups are now equipped with a dual battery
system that allows the lights to be run without worry of draining the battery.
Check with Chuck Hoffner in the Equipment Division if you have questions
about your vehicle.
5. Don’t speed. While maximum fuel efficiency is achieved at different speeds
for different vehicles, most peak out at around 60 MPH. Use your cruise
control when possible.
6. Minimize drag. Still have your ski racks strapped on top of your car from
last winter? Take them off, every little bit helps.
7. Keep your tires properly inflated. The proper PSI for your tires should
be printed on a label inside your vehicles driver side door jamb. You should
check your tire pressure monthly or anytime they look low.
8. Use your A/C sparingly. A lot of research has been done on whether
it’s more beneficial to roll down your window or use the A/C, I am not
sure there is a definitive answer. There are several variables that affect the
outcome of each scenario. When the A/C compressor is running it puts more
resistance on the engine requiring more HP/fuel to operate. When a window
is rolled down it increases the vehicles drag and requires more HP/fuel from
the engine especially at high speeds. The worst thing you can do for fuel
efficiency is drive with the windows down and the A/C on.
9. Travel light. A light vehicle is an efficient vehicle. Inspect your backseat,
trunk and or tool boxes for items that don’t need to be hauled around. On
average, for every 100lbs you eliminate from your vehicle you will improve
its fuel efficiency by 2%.
10.Keep your vehicle in good working order. This means having scheduled
maintenance performed. This will not only maximize your MPG’s but should
also extend the life of your vehicle.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
21
Choose to Reuse and Less $$ You Will Lose
Sustainability is our capacity to endure. We do this by making the most of
our resources and by recycling and reusing materials whenever possible in a
responsible and efficient manner. You can be a part of this by taking advantage
of materials in the Fredericktown yard, AKA: the ‘Bone yard’.
Many items you are looking for might be there for your job. The best part about
it is that all you have to pay is the trucking, the material is free!
There is a vast inventory of material leftover from previous jobs. Some of the
items include various pieces of pipe, rebar, lumber, hardware, and many other
treasures. Various types and sizes of pipe can be had to include ductile iron,
PVC, HDPE, and concrete. There are fittings galore, manholes, traffic control
items, steel beams and various shapes and sizes of rebar.
We are currently compiling an electronic database of the items with pictures.
You will be able to ‘shop on-line’ in the Bone-yard. This information is located
on SharePoint. Simply go to the Environmental tab and click on the ‘Yard
Inventory’ link on the left hand column: https://sp.kokosing.biz/Environmental/
default.aspx.
If you see an item there that might fit your needs, contact Dan Whited
(dwhited@kokosing.biz or FTO ext 528), Wayne Queen (WEQ@kokosing.biz or
FTO ext. 243) or Heather Ousley (HLO@kokosing.biz or FTO ext. 469). If you
don’t see something, call and ask! You never know, it might not be on the site
yet.
Reduce material costs on your job AND do something good for the environment!
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
22
Jobsite Lumber Recycling
Kokosing has implemented a jobsite lumber recycling program for our more
concrete intensive projects. You will need to discuss if your project will
participate in this recycling program at your pre-job project hand-off meeting.
We will start this program in three Ohio target jobsite markets. In Columbus &
Cleveland, we have partnered with Kurtz Brothers to take our scrap form lumber,
pallets, process equipment wood crates, etc. to process into flower bed mulch.
Depending on the location of your project, we have several Kurtz
Brothers’ locations and several dumpster suppliers that will pick-up and deliver
these “wood only” dumpsters to Kurtz Brothers at a reduced fee. In Cincinnati,
we have partnered with Evans Landscaping.
Kurtz Brothers
• Columbus locations:
1. Groveport—2850 Rohr Road, Groveport, OH 43125 (614)491-0868
2. Westerville—6055 Westerville Road, Westerville, OH
43081 (614) 882-0200
3. Dublin—6279 Houchard Road, Dublin, OH 43016 (614) 873-2000
•
Cleveland locations:
1. Bridgeview—5603 Canal Road, Valley View, OH 44125 (216)986-7031
2. N. Royalton—10789 Royalton Road, N. Royalton, OH 44133
(216)-276-4823
3. Avon Production—1180 Miller Road, Avon, OH 44011 (216)-986-7033
•
Cincinnati - Evans Landscaping(513-271-1119) – 9 locations
1. $250 fee/dump–call Ken Pulskamp for dumpster service and
recycling location
Dumpster suppliers/haulers
Contact Renee for dumpster needs - 740-694-6315 x264
• COC - $137.64 fee/dump(vs. $311.64 for debris to landfill)
•
Bencin - $150.00 fee/dump(vs. $325 for debris to landfill)
•
Republic—$175.00 fee/dump(vs. $385 for debris to landfill)
Other considerations:
• Nails in scrap lumber are not a problem for Kurtz Brothers or Evans LS
•
No OSB board in scrap wood dumpster—too much glue
•
Each jobsite will need to develop a plan to ensure that no construction
debris(besides scrap lumber) goes into the “wood only” dumpsters
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
23
Recycling and Reusing Office Supplies
While we all want to help with our carbon footprint that we leave behind, it
is not always economical to buy “recycled’ office products. That is why it is
important to learn other ways to recycle and reuse our office products.
Break the Paper Chain:
Make computer files, not paper files as much as possible. When you go to hit
that print button, ask yourself “do I really need a hard copy?” If the answer is
yes, use double sided printing as much as possible. If you have documents that
are single sided, reuse the back side of those documents as scratch paper, as
well as printing drafts of documents that need reviewed. Keep a bin at your desk
for recycling paper work. Then keep a recycle bin for the office/trailer that can
be emptied on a weekly basis by a recycling company.
Reuse General Office Items:
Binders, paper clips, file folders, pens and pencils, rubber bands, and interoffice
envelopes can be used over and over again. Sometimes stapled paper cannot
be recycled, use paperclips or fold the edge over on copies that will remain in
the office. This will also save on your cost for staples. Reuse boxes and large
envelopes whenever possible. You can put a label over the previous label and
reseal with tape. Reuse packing materials whenever possible. Buy and reuse
rechargeable batteries. Although they initially cost more in the long run they
last much longer and can be recharged. Devote an area that to which supplies
can be returned that need to be reused. Encourage employees to check that
area prior to purchasing new supplies. Encourage everyone to bring their own
coffee cups/mugs into the office/trailer to avoid the expense of paper cups. That
way they can be washed and reused. Toner cartridges these can be turned in to
many different places to be recycled. The Heavy Industrial Division uses
www.Smartrecycle.com out of Westerville, Ohio. They provide a simple, free
and efficient toner recycling program to Kokosing. You choose from a list of
charities that they will make a donation to: HID has asked that our donations
go to the Westerville Public Library, Boy Scouts of America and the Delaware
County Chapter of the Red Cross.
To Succeed Get Everyone Involved:
Maximizing office supplies is in everyone’s best interest. Cutting the costs
help strengthen the company’s bottom line. It also helps the environment
with recycling items and leaving a smaller footprint. Get recycling bins from a
recycling company to place around your office. Set up weekly appointments with
them to empty the bins. Get involved with recycling programs in your area for
toners. Let’s all create a culture for Kokosing as an eco-friendly business.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
24
Asphalt Recycling
Asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the United States, more than
aluminum, paper, plastic and glass combined. To support this claim, www.
asphaltroads.org reports more than 90 million tons of asphalt is recycled
annually into roadways across the United States. Flexible Pavements of Ohio
reports The Ohio Department of Transportation recycled more than 1.2 million
tons in 2011. Over the last six years, KMI has recycled over 2.6 million tons
of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) at an average of 23.5% per ton of mix.
Although RAP is primarily generated from highways, KMI receives waste from
other sources such as driveways and parking lots that would otherwise end
up in landfills. Studies are being conducted by the National Center for Asphalt
Technology (NCAT) to increase the amount of RAP presently used in asphalt.
Those findings will be published at a later date.
At any given time KMI has in excess of 500,000 tons of recycled asphalt at their
combined locations.
All KMI plants have recycling capabilities. With the use of double barrel mixing
drums, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions are greatly reduced by
removing the liquid asphalt and recycle from the main gas stream. With the
addition of warm mix systems on several plants, CO, NOx and CO2 emissions
are also reduced by cooler mix temperatures. With these changes, we reduced
the impact on the environment and also receive the benefit of burning less fuel
at substantial cost savings.
Kokosing Materials, Inc. Asphalt Terminals and
Kokosing Construction highway crews at work.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
25
Winterizing to Save Energy, Materials,
and Money
As cold weather approaches, there are things we can all do at work and
home to reduce energy consumption, material waste, and expenses. A little
bit of planning and work now can lead to savings this winter. Here are a few
quick tips to consider as cold weather approaches..
Heating
Check the thermostat – Lowering the thermostat by one degree can
reduce energy consumption by 4-6%. Many of us could lower the thermostat
one or two degrees without sacrificing comfort.
Adjust the thermostat at night – Does the job trailer really need to be 70
degrees at 2 a.m.? Reducing the temperature by 10-15 degrees overnight
can reduce energy consumption by 15%, often without sacrificing any
comfort. Programmable thermostats can be installed and set to lower the
heating temperature when the office is not in use but still be warm when you
arrive in the morning.
Seal cracks in windows and doors – Small gaps around a few windows
and doors can add up to a large area for warm air to escape and cold air to
enter.
Insulate – Frozen pipes are inconvenient and often costly to repair, but any
pipe exposed to freezing temperatures is inefficient too. If your field office
or heated con-ex box aren’t properly insulated you are losing heat to the
outdoors. Look at your project and decide if anything needs insulated before
winter.
Materials
Use or store liquids that can freeze – It is not cheap to buy cans,
barrels, and totes of many chemicals, but it can be much more expensive
to dispose of them if they have frozen and can no longer be used. Consume
or store these liquids before they freeze to prevent wasting the material
and causing costly disposal fees. Check materials on your job for storage
requirements. If you don’t have a climate controlled facility, call the works
department for help. Try not to order more than you can use, so you don’t
have to worry about storage.
Drain pumps and tanks to prevent freezing - In addition to potentially
wasting the liquid and causing disposal fees, excessive damage can occur
when material is allowed to freeze in a pump or storage tank. If your office
trailer needs to be winterized or skirted, let Wayne Queen know.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
26
Personal Health and Wellness
Healthy Environment, Healthy You
Think of your body as a piece of equipment that gets used 24/7. Just as Kokosing takes oil samples to check for
problems; preventative and routine medical checks find potential or developing issues within the body.
Routine physical exams including laboratory, X-ray and medical testing are preventative services. These routine checks
are looking for the basic wear and tear on the body and can lead to finding the early stages of a developing problem.
Blood work done at a routine physical is your personal oil sample. It can tell many things about how your body is
handling the wear and tear you are putting on it, and if you are maintaining proper nutrition and a necessary amount of
physical activity.
One of the results is called your cholesterol level. There are three types of cholesterol numbers that make up your total.
One is a good number called your HDL; the other two are called your LDL and your Triglyceride level which can be a
problem if elevated. Eating a heart healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, limiting tobacco use and foods with
added sugars is a great way to ensure your cholesterol levels stay between the right numbers. Here is an outline of what
the numbers mean:
HDL (Good) Level
• Less than 40 mg/dl (men)
• Less than 50 mg/dl (women)
• Above 60 mg/dL men and women
High risk for heart disease
High risk for heart disease
Low risk and protecting against heart disease
LDL (Bad) Level
• Less than 100 mg/dL
• 100 to 129 mg/dL
• 130 to 159 mg/dL
• 160 to 189 mg/dL
• 190 mg/dL and above
Optimal
Moderate
Borderline high
High
Very High
Triglyceride (Fat in Body) Level
• Less than 150 mg/dL
• 150 to 199 mg/dL
• 200 to 499 mg/dL
• 500 mg/dL and above
Normal
Moderate
High
Very High
Total Cholesterol Level
• Less than 200 mg/dL
• 200 to 239 mg/dL
• 240 mg/dL and above
Low risk for heart disease
Moderate risk for heart disease
High risk for heart disease
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
27
Personal Health and Wellness
(continued)
Other preventative services that most insurers offer are endoscopic services, and once a year pap tests and
mammograms. It is recommended that men and women have regular preventative health screenings to detect the
multiple types of cancer. The regularity of those screenings is based on family history and your past health, but here is
the basic outline of what types and when the check ups should occur.
Woman Cancer Screening
• Breast exam monthly starting at age 18
• Mammogram annually starting at age 39
• Cervical every 3 years after 3 normal tests starting at age 18
• Colonoscopy ranges annually to every 10 years starting at age 50
• Skin monthly starting at age 18
Men Cancer Screening
• Colonoscopy ranges annually to every 10 years starting at age 50
• Prostate/PSA annually starting at age 50
• Testicular exam monthly starting at age 13 and annually at physical
• Skin monthly starting at age 18
Take advantage of the preventative health screenings that are offered through your insurance plan. Keep the machine
you call your body properly maintained because the environment, coworkers, friends, and above all your family depend
on you being healthy to take care of them.
Kokosing, Inc.
Environmental Focus Initiatives
28
Kokosing Industrial and McGraw/Kokosing
Through each project
we seek to balance the
interests of community,
environment and
development.”
Kokosing Materials, Inc
Corna/Kokosing
SunCoke Energy Plant | Middletown, Ohio
Kokosing Materials Inc. Plant | Fredericktown, Ohio
St. Charles Atrium & Student Center | Columbus, Ohio
Contact Us
For more information on Kokosing’s Environmental Policies please contact us at letsbuild@kokosing.biz.
Please do not print Kokosing’s Environmental Initiatives unless absolutely necessary.
P.O. Box 226, 17531 Waterford Road Fredericktown, Ohio 43019 | ph 614-212-5700 | letsbuild@kokosing.biz | www.kokosing.biz