introduction | protecting threatened species | safeguarding biodiversity | improving water quality | enhancing the landscape | managing the archaeological heritage | restoring land for recreation | reducing neighbourhood noise | blending into the landscape | informing the community | creating nature reserves | conserving geological heritage | reducing environmental impacts

Reducing Environmental Impacts

BACKGROUND

These case studies demonstrate Caterpillar's commitment and progress in reducing impact on the environment in four categories:

• engine emissions,
• component recycling,
• environmental contamination, and
• noise reduction

ACTION

Emissions Reduction Technology:

Emissions regulations have become universal challenges. On-highway, off-highway industries throughout the world are seeing ever-tightening emissions standards. Caterpillar's answer to stringent EU and US EPA emissions regulations has been a series of evolutionary, incremental improvements that provide breakthrough engine technology built on proven Cat systems and components and called ACERT technology.

Through ACERT we can produce clean diesel engines that will reduce emissions 90 percent by 2007 - on top of the 90 percent already reduced since the 1980s. That is a total reduction of 99 percent compared to the starting point.

Like other engine manufacturers, Caterpillar investigated various systems to meet stringent Tier 3 / Stage III emissions standards. Finally, the solution found was ACERT technology. The principle behind ACERT is simple. If you better control the combustion process, you minimize emissions. Controlling the combustion process requires precise control over two elements: air and fuel.

Component Recycling:

Our design parameters include a special focus on making machine components reusable and recyclable. By weight, well over 50 percent of a typical Cat machine can be remanufactured and reused. Many components can be rebuilt to deliver a second or third service life. Remanufacturing offers customers the ability to recycle and reuse existing components.

The company's current remanufacturing program processes more than 2 million units annually, recycling more than 200,000 tonnes of used products each year. Cat Reman products were originally developed for Cat engines used in the on-highway truck market but now include engine components, transmissions, hydraulic components, electric and electronic components.

Caterpillar uses state-of-the-art remanufacturing technology to “recycle” used products into like-new components. Remanufactured products provide other industries with low cost, like-new service replacement components with the added environmental benefit of managing the product on a “cradle-to-cradle” versus a “cradle-to-grave” lifecycle, significantly reducing landfill waste.

Environmental Contamination:

Our machines are designed to maximize the service intervals, with each new model providing longer intervals with the result of less oil usage and disposal through the machine lifecycle.

Special drain lines (for radiators, hydraulic tanks, and major power train components) have also been designed to provide an environmentally safer method to drain fluids and decrease the risk of soil pollution. Bio-degradable (synthetic-ester based) oils are also available on most models, for an environmentally safer operation.

Noise Levels:

Being attentive to customer comfort requirements, Caterpillar led the industry in driving reduced noise levels from machines. A low noise level is particularly important when machines operate in urban areas but of course it immediately impacts on operators' comfort and therefore safety levels.

Back in the 90's we started developing “low noise” versions for some of our most popular models, and we used this expertise and technology to then replicate the same results to other models.

In 1994 Caterpillar was presented the Blue Angel award by the German Ministry of the Environment for its achievements in the areas of Noise Reduction and respect for the Environment.

We are continuing to focus research and development efforts to deploy technology that make our machines quieter and more efficient. Reduction of noise levels are not achieved at Caterpillar just by “padding” up engines and mufflers. Our engineers have analyzed the root sources of noise and modified / developed new materials, designs and technologies in areas like hydraulic components, air flows, machine layouts and designs. The result is a spectacular decrease of noise levels, resulting not just in more comfortable and safe operators but also in less noise pollution for the environment.

RESULTS

Recognition of our efforts includes our continued inclusion to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. This index lists 300 companies in 22 countries who are market leaders in business and sustainability. Selected from a list of the 2,500 world's largest companies in the Dow Jones Global Index, each nominee is subject to detailed examinations that are externally verified. The index is a guide for investors who want to invest in socially responsible companies; currently Caterpillar is the only global maker of construction machines listed in the index.

Recognized as a Climate Change Leader by the US Environmental Protection Agency, this is a voluntary program of companies who are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since 1990, Caterpillar has reduced direct greenhouse emissions from its US facilities by more than 35 percent.

Caterpillar helped to initiate the Diesel Technology Forum, an industry coalition that promotes clean diesel as a major source of powering the global economy.

It is also an active member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, which provides business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development and promotes the role of eco-efficiency, innovation and corporate social responsibility. Our ongoing efforts relating to reusability of components, machine rebuildability, exhaust emissions, noise level improvements and safety enhancements were recognized as positive contributions. Caterpillar also continues to play an active role in organizations committed to making the world a better place - such as the Global Mining Initiative and Tropical Forest Foundation.

introduction | protecting threatened species | safeguarding biodiversity | improving water quality | enhancing the landscape | managing the archaeological heritage | restoring land for recreation | reducing neighbourhood noise | blending into the landscape | informing the community | creating nature reserves | conserving geological heritage | reducing environmental impacts