Earth Day: Sustainability in Action Across HC+M

On Earth Day, Heritage Construction + Materials (HC+M) is highlighting efforts across its family of companies. HC+M is committed to creating long-term value and driving positive change. By adopting environmentally conscious solutions, HC+M continues its shared bet to build for generations and leave our people, our planet and our communities better than we found them. 

Milestone Contractors 

Milestone is investing in the future of infrastructure with significant upgrades to its Terre Haute plant, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and efficiency. Recent improvements include expanded storage capacity, advanced technology upgrades and environmental enhancements that reduce waste and emissions. The installation of larger silos streamlines asphalt production and trucking while paving the lot minimizes material loss. Cutting-edge software increases operational efficiency, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Additionally, new sustainability measures, like lower burner capacity and improved air quality, align with HC+M’s environmental goals. With a new Quality Control lab on the horizon and a strategic position along Interstate 70, Milestone is prepared to bid competitively and meet growing demands while making a lasting impact on road rehabilitation. 

US Aggregates® 

US Aggregates® is making strides in sustainability through innovative programs and environmental initiatives. The company recently launched its Sustainability Champions program, empowering employees at each plant location to lead projects to foster a culture of resource efficiency. These champions are committed to reducing waste, conserving energy and driving positive environmental change across all 18 sites. 

US Aggregates has many other systems in place to support resource conservation. At its Swisher sand and gravel plant in West Lafayette, a closed-loop water management system ensures all 240 million gallons of pumped water are reused, eliminating discharge into local waterways and protecting aquatic ecosystems. This system supports material processing and washing, dust control and overall operational efficiency while reinforcing US Aggregates’ commitment to sustainable practices. 

The company also tracks groundwater levels using monitoring wells, helping to proactively manage water resources and support its partnership with Prophetstown State Park. Additional sustainability efforts include recycling more than 600,000 pounds of scrap material in Q1 2025 and supplying HC+M planters to Hayes Arboretum for Earth Day celebrations. 

Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI)  

AMI is taking meaningful action to reduce waste and promote sustainability across its sites. To cut down on plastic waste, AMI has installed water machines at various locations, significantly reducing the use of plastic bottles. At the 8720 building alone, the BEVI machine has prevented more than 12,000 plastic bottles and cans from entering the environment – an impact equivalent to saving CO2 emissions from nearly 3,750 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle. Recycling efforts extend beyond traditional waste management with the 8720 building introducing compost bins and partnering with Cirba Solutions for battery recycling. 

A large, ongoing project focuses on repurposing empty chemical totes once left unused at plants. Since launching this effort in 2022, AMI has surpassed its original goal of reducing totes by 80% and is continuing to by coming up with innovative ways to reduce consumption, recycle materials and reuse when appropriate. The commitment to waste reduction extends further with multiple sites actively recycling poly bags to keep them out of landfills. 

While pallets, both wood and plastic, are typically recycled at facilities, AMI has joined forces with US Aggregates to repurpose some of them for new uses, ensuring materials are maximized rather than discarded. 

Evergreen Roadworks™ 

Evergreen Roadworks™ continues to be a leader in pavement preservation, championing sustainable solutions that optimize cost, time, materials and environmental impact. One of its growing practices is Micro Surfacing, a surface treatment that significantly extends the life of asphalt pavements, while reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 44% compared to conventional treatments. With sustainable shifts to cooler temperatures, Evergreen Roadworks is also a trusted contractor for cold recycling techniques like Cold Central Plant Recycling (CCPR) and Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR). These techniques offer cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives for rehabilitating roads.  

At HC+M, sustainability is more than an initiative, it’s a mindset deeply rooted in our commitment to Create Enduring Value. We recognize that every action we take today shapes the future of our people, our planet and our communities. HC+M and its family of companies are making meaningful strides to ensure that we leave the world better than we found it. The opportunity to drive lasting positive change is endless, and our dedication to sustainability will continue. As we look ahead, HC+M remains committed to building for generations, ensuring that the work we do today contributes to a stronger, healthier world for those who come after us.