The future is sustainable and it’s here to stay

Last month, organizers for CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE announced that a key focus of the 2023 events will be on next levels of sustainability in construction, highlighting the many aspects of the shows designed to ensure a sustainable future. This is a reflection of an industry moving towards a sustainable future.

First up are manufacturers that plan to highlight their electric, autonomous, or digital technologies, such as Volvo Construction, Caterpillar, Skyjack, and many others, who will be introducing electric-powered, emission-free machinery at the event.

If the machines and technologies highlighted at bauma in October are any indication, reducing emissions while remaining powerful are keys to the future. I expect we will see many of the same machines launched at bauma on the CONEXPO-CON/AGG lots. I’ve highlighted a few of those here, with a look at Liebherr’s Hydrogen-powered excavator, Komatsu and Proterra’s battery powered excavator, and more. It is important to note that in many of these larger machines, the hydraulic systems remain the same because you can’t beat the power density provided by hydraulics in heavy-duty operation.

Additionally, many of the education programs offered on the IFPE and CONEXPO-CON/AGG side will be geared towards sustainability. Here’s a look at some of the IFPE sessions — and be sure to start following our pre-IFPE coverage to see more in-depth looks at some of the IFPE sessions and also what’s new in Las Vegas since 2020.

• Efficiency in hydraulic systems
• Efficiency in pneumatic systems
• An integrated electrohydraulic unit for fluid power applications
• What can you do to make your machine more efficient
• Advancing autonomy from operator assist to driverless vehicles
• Electrification of vehicle powertrains
• Reducing energy consumption in fluid power systems

Additionally, CONEXPO-CON/AGG has given sustainability its own education track in its seminar offerings, now with 13 sessions dedicated to the topic. They tackle subjects like reducing the carbon footprint of concrete, getting and managing electric construction equipment, asphalt and concrete recycling, carbon neutrality, and a “Sustainability 101” session.

Show organizers are promoting several initiatives less relevant to the engineer but still part of their move to a more sustainable show. For example, they have partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation, and are working toward planting 130,000 trees in forests of greatest need, one for every show registrant. Exhibitors and attendees can contribute to the Arbor Day Foundation’s funds. Each dollar contributed will result in one tree being planted in a forest in need.

And finally, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE are committed to reducing the environmental impact of the show. This includes partnering with vendors dedicated to sustainable practices and reducing waste, helping exhibitors choose more sustainable options, and measuring its total 2023 environmental impact to identify future improvements.

Show organizers say that registration for 2023 is outpacing all previous shows in attendee registration. To continue this momentum, they have extended a special registration code to our readers to January 6, 2023. By registering with the code PR30, you can save 30% off registration. Visit ifpe.com for more details.

I hope to meet many old and new friends in March at IFPE. Be sure to mark down our booth number, SL80022 and stop by to say hello. And stay tuned for our February issue, which will include our complete IFPE coverage.