Haulotte Commits to Environmental Initiatives

May 5, 2008 • In the context of a real awareness of environmental issues and the tightening of the legislation, Haulotte Group, L'Horme, France, is taking steps to control and reduce its environmental impact and is integrating its environmental approach into its global management system.

Launched in 1999, the emissions regulation plan applying to both on and off-road vehicles marked a critical new phase on Jan. 1, 2008. Since that date, new engines manufactured in Europe must comply with the Tier 3 / Stage III. By 2011, emissions will have to be reduced by 90 percent. The company closely monitors regulatory developments with its suppliers because all changes may have an impact on the operating and maintenance of the company's machines.

 

The engineering department and prototypes department are also active in the improvement process. 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 require a reduction of 95 percent of exhaust emissions for on- and off-road vehicles, bringing that ratio down almost to zero.

 

In order to prepare for this next stage, the Haulotte teams and their partners are already working on the development of devices and processes adapted to more environmentally friendly machines: particle filters, advanced cooling systems, electronic fuel injection, better quality and ultra-low sulphur fuel.

 

Haulotte extends its environmental approach beyond its products to its manufacturing sites. In the company's five European manufacturing plants, measures have been taken that illustrate a commitment to the environment. Better insulation is used in the roofs, and there is an increase in the number of translucent surfaces, increasing natural light and decreasing the electricity and energy consumption.

 

Internal processing waste is pushed to the maximum with waste recycling, hydrocarbons separators, and sewage treatment facilities. Haulotte also pays special attention to the products present in its plants and to the way they are used. For several years, lead-containing paint has not been used, and dry extract paintings are favored, 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.

 

Haulotte is also working toward obtaining ISO 14001 certification.