March 10, 2010Australia’s truck market leader, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) and the truck industry in general is working hard to overcome the perceived dirty image of trucks belching black smoke.
Paul Evans, IAL’s Business Planning Manager and Company Secretary says, due to a range of new technologies, trucks have made considerable gains over the last decade, making trucks greener and more economical than ever before.
“In fact, 60 of today’s new trucks produce less carbon emissions than just one truck in 1995,” Evans says.
IAL is leading the way with the ‘new generation’ range of Isuzu trucks. Launched in 2007, the new Isuzu range (being Euro 4 compliant), exceeded the stringent ADR 80 government emission requirements and produced one sixth the particulate matter (exhaust emissions) of the standard met by its Japanese competitors.
Since the introduction, IAL is in no doubt that incremental sales can be directly attributed to the vehicle’s green credentials, particularly with local councils and large fleets that pride themselves on being environmentally friendly.
“While already setting the industry benchmark for clean green trucks, we wanted to take it up a notch and we needed a more systematic and structured approach to review all areas of our operations,” Evans says.
In August 2009, IAL set up a group of five passionate volunteers called the Carbon Reduction Workgroup, whose goal is to reduces IAL’s footprint on the environment.
Looking for a reputable, structured program offering support and comprehensive knowledge, IAL joined the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (VECCI) Grow Me The Money program shortly thereafter.
Since enrolment in the program, Isuzu has introduced an office recycling program, ‘delamped’ secondary office areas, and introduced ‘Cool Biz’ where by staff dress appropriately for the revised summer air conditioned temperatures now set at 24 degrees. IAL are currently reviewing investing in new lighting technologies and, coupled with a range of other initiatives, it expects to save around 20 percent in energy during 2010.
“It’s critical to involve staff along every step of the way, keeping them informed and engage them in a variety of initiatives,” Evans says.
“Our immediate priority is to get our own house in order and complete the 12 month Grow Me the Money program, then go after the ‘holy grail’ – rolling out green initiatives across our entire national dealer network.”
There are over 70 Isuzu sites across Australia employing well over 1,000 people – and improvements across the dealer network could make a significant positive impact on the environment.
While the Dealer Network is run by independent business (franchises), Paul is confident IAL will receive positive support among its dealerships, once the benefits of the program are explained.
Another challenge facing IAL is that while there are a range of new green technologies emerging (such as Isuzu CNG trucks that produce 30 per cent less CO2 than equivalent diesel trucks), there is often a lack of support and infrastructure to support customers that pioneer the new greener technologies.
IAL, through its membership of the Truck Industry Council has met the Federal Government, briefing them about the range of new green technologies available. IAL has also been lobbing for incentives for business to invest in the new technologies and infrastructure required.
“While being truck market leader for the last 21 consecutive years, IAL recognises the importance of being environmentally friendly on many levels. Being green is no longer a ‘nice to have’ , it’s a ‘must have’,” Evan says.