Good practices in CP: 37. Reducing fuel consumption and emissions by replacing gas-fueled forklifts with electric forklifts (Nestor Springs)

Good practices and investments related to Cleaner Production

Example No. 37
Reducing fuel consumption and emissions by replacing gas-fueled forklifts with electric forklifts

Company:
Nestor Springs Sp. z o.o. Sp. k.

Industry branch: Furniture industry
Main products: Spring units, pockets and springs used for mattresses and upholstered furniture

Resources in question:

• Fossil fuels
  

• Emissions into the atmosphere
  

The company used three forklifts with internal combustion engines. This necessitated the purchase of gas cylinders and their frequent replacement (transportation, storage). It was also a source of local air pollution from exhaust fumes to which the company's employees were exposed. In addition, forklifts with gas engines, because of their two rear swivel wheels, have much less maneuverability, which, when moving on the hall between machines, disqualifies them for use in small spaces.

Obtained benefits and effects of the implementation:

• Reduced gas fuel consumption by about 6,875 kilograms per year (625 gas cylinders of 11 kg each)
• Improved working conditions – reducing local air pollution
• Elimination of the possible cost of buying cylinders: savings of about PLN 15,200/year
• Increase in electricity consumption (for charging forklifts)

Old gas-fueled forklift
photo by: Nestor Springs Sp. z o.o. Sp.k.

New electric forklift
photo by: Nestor Springs Sp. z o.o. Sp.k.

 

Sources:

• Report on the Cleaner Production Project No. 49.790, developed within the framework of the Cleaner Production Academy at Nestor Springs Sp. z o.o. Sp.k.: “Reducing environmental impact at Nestor Springs, in line with Cleaner Production principles”
• Materials (including photos) submitted by Nestor Springs

Polish version:

• https://www.cp.org.pl/2022/10/dobre-praktyki-cp-37-ograniczenie.html
  

This material has been subsidized by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. The Polish Cleaner Production Movement Association is solely responsible for its content.