Winstone Aggregates is taking major steps to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. In only 12 months, the company has successfully reduced carbon emissions by 905,400kgs and in doing so has been nominated for a MIMICO award for Environmental Excellence.

Operating from 24 sites across New Zealand, Winstone Aggregates uses an Environmental Policy and Management System to continually identify ways in which to improve operations to Best Practicable Option. This includes improving site efficiencies and at Hunua and Whitehall Quarries has led to focused attention on vehicle fleet efficiency.

Earlier productivity analysis had shown that site road alignments and surface improvements could reduce haul times and efficiency. At Whitehall, a new culvert crossing and road improvements were commissioned, followed by a reduction in haul fleet. Hunua Quarry used a GPS system to closely match the number of load and cart machines to plant production requirements, reducing unnecessary machine hours. The commitment of both quarries to operator training and the associated improvements in operator technique and performance further improved efficiency as did an adjustment of operators in relation to periods of high or low demand.

Winstone Aggregates Environmental Manager Alan Happy says there were a number of drivers behind increasing plant efficiency at Winstone Aggregates.

"The most obvious driver is the reduction in operational costs. Aspects like greater fleet efficiency reduced diesel consumption immediately, while other aspects such as plant upgrade work have required a longer term approach and we've found that the momentum has flowed into identification of further efficiencies."

"Perhaps more significant though is the reduction of our environmental impact. In the long term we aim to have a net positive impact on the environment. Reducing our carbon emissions is a great step toward meeting our environmental goals while still providing the aggregates needed for roads, buildings and industry."

Outcomes have exceeded initial expectations and this encouraging news has prompted Winstone Aggregates to investigate a nationwide roll-out of the award winning efficiency programme. In a bid to further reduce carbon emissions, the company is trialling hybrid vehicles and has implemented bio-diesel at its largest site, Hunua Quarry.

Winstone Aggregates' reduction in carbon emissions is substantial and can be compared to 156 airline flights from New Zealand to London*.

* carbonplanet.com