Haulotte Australia , also known as Haulotte Group, is taking active steps to control and reduce its overall environmental impact.
Tough new emission controls for engine manufacturers have been in force in Europe since 1 January 2008, which must comply with the Tier 3 / Stage III standards. By 2011, these emissions will have to be reduced by a further 90%.
For motor vehicle manufacturers and for the Haulotte Group, this legislation constitutes an opportunity to improve the performance and reliability of engines.
“Even though we are not motor vehicle manufacturers, we closely monitor these regulatory developments with our suppliers, since all changes may have an impact on the operating and maintenance of our machines,” explained a spokesperson for Haulotte Group.
The stricter the standards become, the more significant the changes to machines, especially those equipped with engines above 37 kW. By 2014, the Tier 4 / Stage IV will impose a reduction of 95% of exhaust emissions bringing that ratio down almost to zero.
Haulotte Group is already working on the development of more environmentally- friendly machines by developing more advanced particle filters and cooling systems, electronic fuel injection, better quality and ultra-low sulphured fuel.
In each of Haulotte Group’s five European manufacturing plants, further environmental measures have been taken including better insulation and more translucent surfaces, increasing natural light and reducing electricity and energy consumption.
Other environmental sustainable strategies include:
- Recycling waste
- Hydrocarbon separators
- Sewage treatment facilities
Haulotte Group pays more attention to the products present in its plants and to the way they are used. For several years, lead- paint has not been used, and dry extract paints are favoured allowing a significant decrease of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
On several sites powder paints are used, which have zero VOC emissions. Hydraulic oil is distributed using pipelines in order to reduce storage areas and the number of stored barrels.
To reaffirm its commitment to control the impact of its activities on the environment, the Haulotte Group is working towards obtaining the ISO 14001 certification. This standard is attributed to companies actively integrating the environmental approach into their global management system.