|
Moving and storing goods has its share of environmental impacts, ranging from energy consumption to site development. In response, Transportation, Distribution and Warehousing companies in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone are finding innovative ways to more efficiently and effectively manage their fleets, buildings and internal processes.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREENING
Transportation: Take advantage of readily accessible fleet management practices that save on fuel and improve operator and public safety. Learn how to promote employee commuting. Learn More: See Bison Transportation under “Transportation”
Water: Lower water usage through conservation and waste-water recycling. Use rainwater and grey water for non potable purposes, such as washing vehicles. Learn More: See Orlando under “Water”
Green Building: Explore design and retrofit practices that significantly reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment, while trimming costs and improving occupant comfort and safety. Learn More: See Lange Transportation under “Green Building”
Low-Impact Site Development: Reduce your impact on the surrounding environment through landscape naturalization, stormwater management, and the development of green parking lots. Learn More: See Bayer Inc. under “Low-Impact Site Development”
Climate Change Mitigation: Reduce your carbon footprint by adopting a greenhouse gas reduction strategy and by off-setting remaining emissions. Learn More: See DB Schenker under “Climate Change Mitigation”
SECTOR HIGHLIGHTS
“In pursuit of more with less at Bison Transport”
Fuel economy has long been a priority for Bison. As a member of Natural Resources Canada’s FleetSmart program and the US EPA’s SmartWaySM Transportation Partnership, Bison implemented a comprehensive Fuel Management Program that has been recognized as best in class in the transportation sector.
Approach Highlights
- Developing a Fuel Management Program that provided concrete targets for fuel efficiency.
- Instantaneous tracking and vehicle-specific fuel
performance reports that give drivers timely insight into how they can improve their fuel economy.
- Establishing a Fuel Management Committee
that includes members of the executive and
management teams.
Results
- Deeper employee buy-in and measurable changes in driver performance through a focus on education and awareness.
- Awarded Natural Resources Canada’s Energy
Efficiency Award in 1999 and 2004.
|
“Moving off the grid at Lange Transportation”
Lange’s investment in retrofitting its 30-year-old facility is paying back generously in the form of slim utility bills and protection against increasing energy costs.
Approach Highlights
- Installed a geothermal heating and cooling system to replace a forced-air natural gas system.
- Installed motion detectors to control bathroom and kitchen lights.
- Installed solar tubes in the building’s roof to diffuse natural light throughout the office.
Results
- Lighting retrofit saw instant energy savings of 35 per cent.
- Eliminated the company’s $60,000 natural gas bill entirely.
- Carbon emissions are expected to be reduced by 158,000 tonnes over the 20 year lifespan of the geothermal system.
|
Download the Transportation and Warehousing Sector highlights.
BUSINESS DRIVERS
► Energy costs for transportation and building operations are projected to rise over the long term.
► Emerging government regulation is expected to further increase the cost of fuel and energy.
► Key customers are demanding high levels of environmental performance and disclosure through increasingly strict supplier standards.
► Fleets are viewed as one of the most publicly visible opportunities for organizational greening.
► The public continues to be concerned over the safety of fleets on our roads and highways.
|
|
