Construction World November 2018

TRUCKING

A key element of MD Neil Robinson’s management philosophy is ardent support for moves that reduce the company’s pollution footprint. ‘I tasked my team to seek out recycling alternatives, as an GREEN AT HEART Condition monitoring specialists WearCheck have embraced the green revolution with both arms, implementing earth-friendly best practice in many facets of their business model.

extension of WearCheck’s ISO 14001 certification for environmental consideration, and out of genuine concern for our planet. ‘Some of the earth-friendly initiatives include redirecting our waste from the landfill sites and recycling items wherever possible. ‘We meticulously ensure that none of our process waste ends up in a rubbish dump. Instead, all our plastic oil sample bottles, caps and cores are recycled. They are melted down into pellets, which are used to manufacture industrial products such as drain grids. ‘The oil from the oil samples is not simply discarded but is also recycled. After the oil and water are separated, the oil is processed

and then re-used in other applications. The oily tissue is converted to refuse-derived fuel and is used, for example, as a fuel for cement kilns.’ A 2 500 litre JoJo tank was installed at the company’s Pinetown laboratory, which harvests rainwater from the roof. This water is then used to flush the toilets. WearCheck’s quality administrator Prinda Narasi elaborates, ‘The water tank’s reserve of 750 litres of municipal water keeps the system working even if there is not enough rain. We estimate that by substituting municipal water with rainwater, this will save many thousands of litres annually. ‘Another eco-friendly practice is that all plastic courier packets and office paper are given to a recycling company. We will continue to explore new ways to decrease WearCheck’s footprint on our planet.’ Robinson puts out a friendly challenge to other companies to become more eco-friendly. ‘If every single business implemented even one earth- friendly practice, imagine the positive impact it would have on the planet. This would go a long way in support of the wise words of environmentalist David Brower, “We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” ‘Or perhaps take inspiration from the fun kids’ song by Jack Johnson, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. ‘How could your business process be changed to make it more planet-friendly? Are there any by- products that could be recycled? Is there a way to re-use any resources? Are there any ways in which electricity or water consumption could be reduced? Are your suppliers using eco-friendly products and processes?’  TOP LEFT: WearCheck has embraced earth-friendly practice in many facets of the business. Here, quality administrator Prinda Narasi (left) and Siphiwe Mazibuko (stores) give the company’s new rainwater harvesting tank the thumbs up. LEFT: WearCheck workers Nathi Manzini (left) and Wellington Ndlovu empty oil from bottles awaiting recycling.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD NOVEMBER 2018