Hybrids and Biodiesel Vehicles – A “Win, Win” Alternative

Since 2000, Consigli Construction Co., Inc. has implemented a waste reduction program company-wide, so it came as no surprise when the first hybrid trucks were made available in 2005, Consigli’s equipment division manager, Mike Invernizzi, jumped to action.He immediately bought two Chevy K1500 trucks powered both by electricity and gasoline. The “test” vehicles, which have been on the road since December 2005, were two of only a handful allocated to dealers in the region at the time.

So far, the trucks have held up to the test. “They are still reliable and durable,” states Invernizzi. “The cost of the vehicle, combined with an 18 to 20 percent fuel savings and a federal tax break, make it a more cost-effective choice than a regular gasoline-fueled truck. Not only that, but emissions are reduced so it really is a ‘win, win’ option for us.”

In 2006, the company also began using biodiesel, a fuel substitute made from soybeans, canola and recycled cooking oil from restaurants. It can be burned safely in any standard, unmodified diesel engine.

Invernizzi started using the alternative fuel for all of the company’s trucks. He then moved to small equipment such as skidsteers and mini excavators and then to heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators and backhoes. The switch has proved worthwhile as the fuel remains cost efficient while emissions are reduced by approximately 20 percent.

Consigli is working with Boston-based supplier Dennis K. Burke, Inc. on a refueling delivery service that would deliver to all the company’s jobsites in New England. Currently, the fuel is delivered to Consigli’s equipment yard and stored on site. Fuel for small equipment is purchased via five-gallon containers and dispensed to jobsites, while larger equipment refuels on site at Consigli’s yard.

For more information on hybrid vehicles or biodiesel fuel, please contact Mike Invernizzi. Invernizzi sits on Consigli’s environmental protection committee, an in-house group that develops and monitors the company’s waste reduction and recycling policies and procedures.

Construction Business Owner, August 2006