All change with new grading scheme to reduce carbon footprint
February 1st 2008

Launched at IMHX 2007, Exide's Environmental Grading Scheme has been chosen as a finalist in the 'Environment' category of this year's Fork Lift Truck Association Awards. Exide Technologies says the scheme will allow customers to make an informed choice on the right energy solutions for their business

The scheme, designed to help companies assess and reduce their carbon footprint, is one of four finalists with the winner being announced at the Awards ceremony in February this year. The new grading scheme is the result of extensive, cutting-edge work by the company's product support and marketing teams. There is no current system in existence and the intention is that it offers the same transparency as the energy rating system adopted by manufacturers of electrical goods such as washing machines and refrigerators. This will allow customers to make an informed choice on the right energy solutions for their business, taking both the commercial and environmental impacts into consideration.

Exide's extensive range of batteries and chargers are now rated on two criteria: energy usage and recyclability. Each product is rated between one globe for the least efficient and seven globes for the most efficient - allowing the customer to make an informed decision.

Energy rating is based on labour, carbon dioxide emissions and water consumption.

Recyclability rating is based on life expectancy and the percentage of the product that is able to be recycled at the end of its life.

"With rising energy costs and a concerted effort to reduce carbon emissions, customers are seeking energy efficient products – such as in the new Eurostar terminal at St Pancras," says Elaine McLeod, marketing communications manager of Exide Technologies.

"Working quietly (literally) behind the scenes is a new fleet of Linde materials handling equipment powered by Exide Technologies' Sonnenschein Dryfit gel batteries, which are maintenance free and do not produce any gas when being charged. Exide Technologies also provided the associated chargers – both standard and high efficiency.

"We demanded maintenance free batteries for two reasons: the charging areas are either beneath ground level or in low ventilation areas, so removing any gassing was paramount for health & safety and to provide a comfortable working environment for staff," explains David Bridges, operations manager – Logistics Department of Eurostar UK.

"Additionally, we didn't want to distract staff from their primary duties of loading and unloading baggage and catering supplies. This means time saved in not having to regularly maintain the batteries, particularly with topping up the electrolyte, with the associated time and cost implications for training. Sonnenschein batteries have an unrivalled track record in performance and safety. The use of battery power will also help us achieve Eurostar's commitment of being carbon-neutral from the first day of working – 14 November 2007."

The new fleet comprises:

10 x P250 tow tractors for loading and off-loading catering supplies

6 x P60 3-wheel tow tractors for cleaning and refuse duties

2 x P30 tow tractors for manoeuvring trolleys round the terminal

5 x N20 Order pickers for loading baggage and parcel cages

3 x T20 AP powered rider pallet trucks for moving food within the stores areas

2 x E16 Electric counter-balance trucks for stores areas

1 x R16 Reach truck for moving crates of wines in the stores

Because the fleet is not in continuous use and not placed under heavy load, the Dryfit gel batteries are ideal; unlike conventional flooded lead acid batteries, they are actually suited to opportunity charging. "Dryfit batteries actually prefer to be kept warm for optimum life, so keeping them on charge while not in use should provide us with years of trouble-free use," continues David.

Commenting on the award nomination, Elaine McLeod sums up, "We are delighted to be a finalist for this prestigious award. It is particularly rewarding for the teams which have worked hard on developing this transparent and innovative scheme – which we hope will be adopted by the industry.

"Forward thinking customers realise that a slightly higher initial cost can deliver significantly lower running costs in the long run." For further information on the grading scheme and Exide's range of energy efficient products contact the number below.

More articles from CMP Batteries Limited/ Exide Technologies: