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Green Up
Trucking Company Drives
Home The Green Message
E.G. Gray at the forefront of technological advances during a period of more
stringent regulations and increasing environmental and social challenges.
EG. Gray Transportation Ltd.,
the Peterborough-based trucking
business that has been in
operation since 1987, recently launched
its latest initiative in a long list of
sustainability measures. The unveiling
of a new 2011 Volvo VN 780 truck,
representing an investment of $150,000,
is indicative of the company’s desire to
remain at the forefront of technological
advances during a period of more
stringent regulations and increasing environmental
and social challenges.
The official introduction of the new vehicle was hosted by E.G. Gray employees
and attended by Volvo representatives, customers, councillors from the City of
Peterborough, representatives from the Ontario Trucking Association, journalists
and members of the public.
The new Volvo VN 780 is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
system that reduces the amount of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide (NOx)
emissions by up to 90 percent. Unlike previous systems, SCR has virtually
eliminated the active regeneration of particulate matter, using diesel fuel at high
temperatures. Instead, SCR uses a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) reservoir of water
and urea. Exhaust gas and DEF are injected into the catalytic converter and
heated, causing the urea to turn into ammonia. The ammonia reacts with the
NOx in the exhaust stream and converts it to harmless nitrogen and water
vapour.
If the recent unveiling of E.G. Gray’s new Volvo VN780
was, according to company owner and president Dave Pogue,
“the big one” when it comes to sustainability initiatives, it is
important to note the other measures in place. The company is
in the process of converting to compact fluorescent light bulbs
(CFLs). A CFL uses approximately 75 percent less energy
than a regular bulb and can last up to ten times longer. E.G.
Gray’s premises are currently 50 percent converted to CFLs
and the company is already benefiting from a significant hydro
reduction.
E.G. Gray has made several steps towards greening their
office spaces by acquiring the most efficient and energy-saving
computers, monitors and printers. Its computer systems
are programmed for sleep mode when not
in use and total shutdown
overnight. Photocopiers print double-sided only, paper
invoices have been replaced by Canada Post’s ‘epost’ service
and company manuals are available online. Paints, floor finishes,
carpeting and furniture are all low in volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) and only eco-friendly cleaning supplies are used. Employees
are further involved in making sustainability recommendations
through the establishment of the E.G. Gray Green Team.
E.G. Gray, located at 100 Jameson Drive in Peterborough,
offers transportation services throughout North America in
addition to storage and local warehousing needs. For more
information, please call (705) 745-2662 or 1-800-461-6416.
Alternatively, consult the company website at www.eggray.com.
If the recent unveiling
of E.G. Gray’s new
Volvo VN780 was,
according to company
owner and president
Dave Pogue, “the big
one” when it comes to
sustainability initiatives,
it is important to note
their other measures
in place…
E.G. Gray’s newest arrival also features a separate Kubota
two-cylinder engine, powerful enough to run the lights and
appliances of the cab and sleeper areas, thus reducing unnecessary
idling. The company also utilizes fuel management systems to
improve efficiency and recycles oil and anti-freeze.
E.G. Gray has also made some sustainable
choices when it comes to the tires used to
outfit their vehicles. Despite having
been around for some time in
other industries, trucking
companies are starting to revisit
the use of super single tires.
There are several noted
benefits from the use of single
tires, also known as wide
base tires and aluminium
rims. These include the
use of less crude oil in
the manufacturing
process and less overall
weight leading to
subsequent fuel savings.
30 September 2010 Business Advantage Business Advantage September 2010 31