In 2024, we reduced our absolute Scope 1 emissions by 14% compared to 2023. Operating activity, as measured by labor hours worked, declined 9.5% over the same period. Our absolute Scope 1 improvements mainly resulted from reduced facility operating hours, restructuring and consolidation activities which are reducing the physical footprint of our facilities, and substantive progress toward completing over 40 winterization projects initiated during the past two years.  

Alamo Group collaborates with industry groups and upstream supply chain partners to address the sustainability initiatives we share with these members of our value chain. While most of this collaboration has been recently focused on the joint development of low and zero-emission products to address customer climate concerns, we are also pushing for supply chain transparency and accountability for a wider range of environmental issues, including their greenhouse gas emissions.  

Innovations in Electric and Hybrid Electric Street Sweepers. Rising customer interest in electric and hybrid electric street sweepers, driven by regulatory changes in California and similar states, has led Alamo Group to develop products that meet evolving market demands. Our objective was to design sweepers that match the performance of traditional diesel and gas models, offer full-day operation on a single charge, and maintain the familiar usability our customers expect. Achieving these goals required more than adapting existing designs; it necessitated a complete redesign.

In spring 2023, we unveiled prototypes for two groundbreaking products designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Schwarze’s fully electric M6 mechanical street sweeper and Nite Hawk’s hybrid electric mid-size regenerative air sweeper. By 2024, we expanded the lineup to include a hybrid electric version of the M6. After rigorous testing, these models have proven commercially viable and represent significant advancements in our sustainable product offerings.

Hazardous Waste Management and Safety Compliance at Alamo Group. Alamo Group ensures a safe work environment by adhering to local, state, and federal regulations and managing hazardous waste disposal effectively. We provide thorough training for employees to recognize and handle hazardous substances, assess risks, and understand compliance requirements. Our environmental and safety leads at each facility diligently monitor all waste streams to maintain regulatory compliance and ensure hazardous waste, particularly from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in wet paints and solvents, is safely processed and removed by certified operators. We've transitioned many facilities to less pollutive dry-powder-coat paint systems, reducing our VOC emissions to 378,889 lbs in 2024, a 4% decrease from the previous year.

Alamo Group's Commitment to Reducing Environmental Pollutants. Alamo Group collaborates with suppliers to mitigate air, water, and soil pollution across our value chain and eliminate hazardous substances. Adaptations to new regulations have necessitated enhanced management of these materials, including compliance checks to list certain substances for EU regulations. Challenges include the confidentiality of synthetic polymer additives and finding alternatives to substances like PFAS and PIP 3:1.

Moreover, we are committed to designing products that minimize pollutant use and enhance the environmental efficiency of community operations. Transitioning from diesel to electric products not only curtails air pollution but also decreases reliance on synthetic polymers and hydraulic oils. Our street sweepers and hydro-excavation vacuum trucks, for instance, play crucial roles in environmental protection by removing contaminants from urban and soil environments.