Ozinga, a family-owned business rooted in the Chicago area since 1928, has taken significant steps to promote sustainability through renewable natural gas (RNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles (EV), and EV charging infrastructure.
Established as a Coal & Coke Company in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Ozinga has grown beyond its origins to become a leading force in the ready-mix concrete industry, while also expanding its expertise to include bulk materials, energy, and logistics across the Midwest, South Florida, and more.
Ozinga’s commitment to sustainability has been an integral part of its mission from the very beginning. Guided by its purpose statement, “We exist to create a positive impact on individuals, their families, and the community for generations,” the company has consistently prioritized long-term, meaningful change.
More than a decade ago, Ozinga’s sustainability journey extended to Ozinga Energy, which focuses on RNG and CNG solutions. Since 2011, Ozinga has been converting its fleet of diesel trucks to RNG and CNG, boasting the largest CNG-ready fleets in the U.S. and significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Today, the company operates roughly 200 CNG & RNG trucks and support vehicles. It also helps other customers make their fleets more sustainable by providing CNG stations and the logistics to make it happen. As of now, Ozinga counts five public CNG fast-fill stations across the Chicago, Northern Indiana, and Southern Michigan areas.
Ozinga Energy’s CNG Slow Fill and Fast Fill Stations in Mokena IL
Ozinga has also been open to switching a few of its fleet vehicles to electric vehicles. Its venture into EVs and EV charging began with feasibility studies aimed at understanding the logistical and economic benefits of electrifying its fleet and installing charging stations. Collaboration with local governments, utility companies, and Clean Cities & Communities Coalitions—such as the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation (IACT)—proved instrumental in navigating regulatory requirements and securing funds.
Ozinga leveraged programs like EMPOWER (Equitable Mobility Powering Opportunities for Workplace Electrification Readiness) to navigate regulations, access best practices, and secure funding through various incentives and grants for EV charging infrastructure. This helped reduce costs and speed up deployment. Currently, Ozinga offers Level 2 EV charging at five locations in Illinois, and a public DC fast charging station in New Buffalo, Michigan, right outside of I-94.
Ozinga has an energy and sustainability policy signed by their CEO, Mr. Marty Ozinga IV, and their Director of Energy and Sustainability, Mr. Lum Sadiku, a policy which defines the objectives and steps Ozinga will take to ensure they are fulfilling the purpose of the company.
“As we focus on sustainability, we’re not just focusing on improving our daily operations and numbers; we’re aligning with Ozinga’s purpose to make a positive impact on individuals, their families, and the community for generations to come,” said Lum Sadiku, Director of Energy and Sustainability at Ozinga.
While moving to alternative fuel vehicles has been a bit of a learning curve, it is worth it—Ozinga’s RNG vehicles actually produce a net negative carbon footprint. Additionally, it estimates that it displaces 1 million gallons of diesel each year.
Ozinga continues to integrate sustainable practices across its business. From offering lower embodied carbon concrete products to utilizing up to 20% biodiesel in its fuel usage, the company is making strides in reducing its overall environmental impact.
Ozinga’s sustainability efforts have been well-received by its customers, who are increasingly demanding greener practices. “Our customers are asking for more sustainable solutions each day, and we are delighted to be the solution,” said Mr. Sadiku.
As a member of IACT’s board, Executive Vice President of Ozinga Rich DeBoer keeps a pulse on alternative fuel’s evolvement and remains a part of the conversation. Ozinga continues to offer resources, technical support, guest speakers, and alternative fuel vehicles for various events.
Ozinga is a former recipient of IACT’s ‘Above and Beyond’ Sustainability Leadership Award. For more information on Ozinga’s sustainability efforts, visit https://ozinga.com/sustainability/.
