CPA Bulletin

28 CPA Bulletin > August 2023 www.cpa.uk.net NEWS FROM CPA MEMBERS: 3 JCB Launches Zero Emission Compact Electric Loader JCB has introduced its first full electric wheeled loader with low noise and zero emission operation. Known as the 403E, the machine boasts the largest standard battery pack in its class, with a 20kWh capacity. It is capable of completing a full working day, or 4-5 hours of continuous use in a mixed duty cycle. The 403E has a built-in charger that allows connection to a range of on-site power sources. A 110V socket will fully charge the batteries in 12 hours, while a 230V industrial or domestic plug will charge the battery pack in just 8 hours. JCB’s off-board rapid charger can also be used with the 403E, delivering a full charge from a three-phase supply in just 2 hours. The machine is equipped with two independent electric motors, one for the driveline and one for the hydraulics. The drive motor offers 33.4kW of power and comes with three driving modes, that the operator can toggle between using two buttons on the top of the joystick. The wheeled loader joins a rapidly growing range of full electric machinery within the JCB line-up. Insights into Sustainability Working with GAP, Kier Highways Solutions (KHS), a national surface treatments provider, has electrified its entire forklift fleet. This forms part of Kier Highways Solutions’ efforts to embed sustainable practices throughout its operations, following an audit of WymondhamPlant, its bituminous materials manufacturing arm. Located on a 7-acre site in Wymondham, Norfolk, and producing thousands of tonnes of bituminous materials each year, forklifts play an important part in KHS inventory management. The company approached GAP to learn more about the potential carbon savings associated with transitioning its forklift fleet. By switching from diesel to electric, KHS has removed fumes and carbon emissions from its forklift fleet. KHS chose the Baoli KBE52N 2.5 tonne model, which is powered by a 48x 625 AH battery. This is also fitted with automatic electric braking when the accelerator is released. This enhances driver safety, and the recovery of part of the braking energy is also converted into electricity and made available again. The newmodels will create annual carbon savings of up to 71,270 kgCO2e (based on an 8 hr shift) across Kier Highways Solutions’ forklift fleet. GAP continues to work closely with Kier Highways Solutions to support its decarbonisation efforts across the business. The Supply Chain Sustainability School has released its 2023 Impact Report. The report surveyed over one thousand of its members across the country to get their thoughts on what is important to their organisation and supply chain, plus offered insights into how the School has continued to positively impact organisations and supply chains, through its free practical learning and support. The past few years have been challenging for the built environment industry; the pandemic made for a very unsure time, closely followed by the global economic downturn putting pressures on the industry with material shortages and steep rises in costs. However, sustainability remains firmly at the top of the agenda worldwide, meaning more opportunities for the School to continue to grow and widen its impact. Reflecting this, the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s engagement figures are up significantly, with 24,160 (+44%) individuals from 5,503 companies (+30%) actively learning through the School. This has driven a 35% increase in resource views compared to the previous year. At the same time, quality ratings for the training received by the members remain very high, with 95% rating the training as good or excellent. Organisations are becoming increasingly interested in understanding sustainability and embedding more sustainable practices. Many members have identified the School as a powerful tool to help them do this. Almost three-quarters of members (73%) reported that the School has helped them to better understand their organisation’s sustainability impacts. The School has also helped 65% of members improve their understanding of modern slavery, and 54% to increase their understanding of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect. Members also shared how the School has helped them to improve their sustainability impacts. This includes reductions in carbon emissions (52% of members) and total waste (50%), as well as increased community engagement (57%) and apprentice numbers (50%). Sign up as a free member at https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/ to benefit from over 400 training sessions, tailored assessments with action plans and a library of over 3,300 online resources. Kier Electrifies Forklift Fleet