(Madison, WI, May 9, 2012) – The construction sector is a significant contributor to the two primary pollutants in diesel exhaust that affect human health: nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), creating 32 percent of all mobile source NOx emissions and 37 percent of PM emissions. While stringent new emissions standards have significantly reduced emissions from new non-road equipment starting in 2008, much of the equipment in the current non-road diesel fleets will continue to operate for many years to come. Leonardo Academy, through a grant provided by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, is coordinating efforts to reduce emissions among four Wisconsin construction companies.

Four construction companies in Wisconsin have been awarded funds to help offset the cost of replacing six unregulated engines to Tier 3 emission standards. Murphy Concrete & Construction, Michels Corporation, Terra Corporation and Diamond Coring will all repower engines aged between twelve and twenty-five years old. This project will assist the construction companies in achieving better fuel efficiency and help improve air quality by producing fewer emissions. Over the lifetime of the engines it is estimated that 8 tons of nitrogen oxides, 1 ton of particulate matter and 420 tons of carbon dioxide will be reduced.

“Leonardo Academy is dedicated to developing sustainability strategies for people, companies and organizations,” explained Michael Arny, president of Leonardo Academy. “The majority of engines repowered in this project operate in high-population, urban areas that are more susceptible to adverse air quality. This opportunity will improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We believe that this project will be a vital step in encouraging other construction companies throughout the Midwest to explore opportunities to increase sustainability, reduce their environmental footprint and achieve better fuel efficiency from their diesel engines.”

About the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program
The Diesel Emissions Reduction National Program (DERA) authorized by Title VII, Subtitle G (Sections 791 to 797) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) enables EPA to offer funding assistance to eligible entities on a competitive basis. Fiscal Year 2008 was the inaugural year of funding for DERA. Approximately 60 assistance agreements totaling over $28 million were awarded nationwide through EPA’s FY08 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program’s regional competitions. In addition, on February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law No. 111-05) (Recovery Act) which provided funding for DERA.

Under the Recovery Act funding for the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, EPA awarded agreements totaling $50 million for projects that demonstrated the ability to be commenced expeditiously, reduce diesel emissions, and maximize job creation and/or preservation and economic recovery through a variety of diesel emission reduction strategies. Specific information on these funded projects can be found at: http://epa.gov/cleandiesel/projects/

Upcoming Opportunities
Should a fleet or organization be interested in signing up for future funding opportunities, please contact Leonardo Academy as soon as possible. For more information contact Andrea Bachrach at (608)280-0255 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Leonardo Academy
Leonardo Academy is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability by leveraging innovative tools and information to motivate the competitive market. By utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability strategies, education and implementation, we strive to make sustainability practical for everyone.  We develop integrative sustainability solutions designed to enhance the environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic prosperity of organizations, corporations and individuals. We see a world filled with sustainable opportunities that can transform the way we live today and ensure the prosperity of future generations.

For More Information about Leonardo Academy
Web: www.leonardoacademy.org
Phone: 608-280-0255
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Contact:
Andrea Bachrach, Sustainability Project Specialist
Leonardo Academy Inc.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  
608-280-0255