Shopping centre is going green
Published 20 Apr 2012 12:30
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WIRE IN: Peter Tumulka, from Barrhead, gives Braehead's operations manager, Gary Turnbull a helping hand with the new electric truck at the shopping centre.
BOSSES at one of Scotland's biggest shopping centres are real bright sparks when it comes to lowering its carbon footprint.
Braehead has just taken delivery of two new all-electric trucks to replace a diesel tractor and trailer - and four-year-old Peter Tumulka, from Barrhea, was there to see them unveiled
The investment in the electric trucks will not only save on fuel costs, but also reduce CO2 emissions by up to half compared to the diesel tractor that was previously used.
The trucks will be used by external maintenance and cleaning staff and one of the electric vehicles will be fitted with a custom-built trailer for transporting giant 1100 litre bins around the giant shopping centre, near Glasgow.
The trucks will also be used at Braehead Arena for transporting equipment used in events as diverse as ice hockey matches, WWE wrestling shows to Davis Cup tennis tournaments and pop concerts.
In winter the trucks can also be fitted with snow ploughs on the front and electrically-powered gritters on the back to keep the roadways, pavements and car parks around the centre clear of ice and snow.
The Alke utility electric vehicles from ePower Trucks has a range of 40 miles on a single overnight charge and can tow up to 2000 kg and carry a load of 600 kg. They are the first all-electric snow ploughs and gritters available in the UK.
Braehead's general manager Peter Beagley said: "Braehead has a huge commitment to the environment and making sure we reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible.
"Already we recycle most of our waste and have introduced major energy-saving measures in the centre. The move to all-electric trucks instead of a diesel tractor, which will reduce our CO2 emissions, is part of our commitment to operating a greener and more sustainable business.
"The electric trucks will also provide Braehead with our own snow ploughs and gritters to help us keep the car parks and roads around the centre and retail park clear of ice and snow during winter.
"So not only is the environment benefiting from Braehead investing in these electric trucks, but visitors to Braehead will also benefit with clearer paths, roadways and car parks during winter."
Jerry Hanss, managing director of ePower Trucks, said: "By investing in proven electric vehicle technology, Braehead will benefit from durable, reliable trucks that are highly cost-effective and have a long, productive working life."
This article appeared in Barrhead News 20 Apr 12
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