Ross Grassick

How do forklifts impact climate change?

In light of the recent climate change summit in Paris we wanted to bring to light the steps you can take to reduce your forklift’s carbon emissions. Forklifts are essential to our economy, industry and the country. Businesses today are being more conscious of global warming and have implemented strategies to reduce the way their operation harm the environment. We explore in this article some strategies to consider for your operation and how critical it is that we take action.

Well known economist, Will Nordhaus, suggested in the 1970’s that if the world’s average climate continued to increase “outside the range of observations which have been made over the last several hundred years” the damage from global warming would be irreversible. This is now accepted as the critical 2 degree limit that encompasses global climate change policy. The most recent Climate Change conference confirmed the world has breached the limit by 50% and we’re careering toward imminent and irreversible effects of global warming. If we do not make conscious changes in the way we impact the climate today – our future in Australia is likely to become dryer and hotter leading to a continued state of drought and bushfire prone lands – what decisions can you make today to make a positive contribution with your materials handling equipment?

Go electric! The most obvious choice is choose electric powered forklifts and warehouse equipment because they don’t create any harmful emissions from burning fossil fuels. Batteries are deep cycle and last a full day’s work but are limited to the types of loads and surface areas they can operate in and manage. Buying new? Make a decision to go green! Choose a dual fuel forklift with a Fuel Injection (EFI) engine. Depending on the manufacturer this type of engine will reduce your carbon emissions by 90% compared to a carburettor Fuel efficient engines are less harmful to the environment and save you money in fuel costs. What is EFI? Electronic fuel injection engines utilise 3 way catalyst converters that measure the performance of your forklift in real time based on how it is being used and the environment it is operating in and calculates the right amount fuel to deliver to engine components to reduce emissions. How clever is that? The future is already here! Own a forklift already? Be responsible and have it serviced regularly, especially with fossil fuel powered materials handling equipment. Leaks and faults create more emissions when engine components are operating with faults or are in need of repair. Maintaining your forklifts fuel delivery system is far more beneficial to you financially and is an environmentally conscious decision.

The 2 degree limit that encompasses global warming policies is based on pre-industrial climate average records. Materials handling equipment has become essential to keeping up with rate of supply and demand in the modern world and is integral to industry. There is no slowing down the demands of industry or human consumption in the near future without increased awareness, education and action. We can all make individual industrial decisions that will assist us in reducing the carbon footprints our businesses have with in the real scope of climate change.

Forklifts are designed to operate 30 hour per week and many long term rental contracts calculate rates based on hours used per week. Now think about how many hours a week you use your car – yet, we are more socially aware of how green our vehicles are and how they contribute to global warming. Forklifts come with ratings and information about emissions and environmental impact. Be sure to ask your local forklift supplier for more information about your materials handling equipment’s rating.

What does your materials handling equipment say about your carbon footprint? Lencrow Materials Handling are offering free on site assessments to help you assess how green your workplace’s materials handling equipment is. Industry can work together to reduce the impact that forklifts contribute to global warming. Think local, act global! Call us on 1300536276 or visit us at www.lencrowforklifts.com.au and speak to the online service team today about taking affirmative action. It pays to take a closer look!