The Business Case for Using Compressed Natural Gas Fuel in Concrete Mixer Trucks

Contractors are working towards defining their role in the movement towards sustainability in the built environment. Amongst all of the uncertainty surrounding this quest, one thing is certain: solutions must be based upon sound financial principles. Transportation during the construction process has been identified as one area where the environmental impacts of construction may be reduced. Compressed natural gas is an alternative fuel that could be used in concrete mixer trucks to increase the environmental performance of the construction process. The question is: will switching from diesel fuel to compressed natural gas save money while providing increased value during the construction process? This research examines the various costs, impacts, and savings involved in such a transition. Results of the study indicate the cost is a function of numerous operational parameters, government policies, and cost and availability of compressed natural gas. A general multi-variant financial model was developed to aid in the analysis. The model may be used by companies who wish to determine if switching to natural gas would be feasible for their operation.