AUGUSTA, GA (July, 2008) – From changing building architecture to finding renewable energy sources to increasing recycling efforts, members of the educational community are making major changes to promote healthier, more environmentally-friendly and responsible campuses. Of these changes, a top priority for many is to take action against carbon pollution.
In fact, 50 percent of the schools analyzed in the Sustainable Endowments Institute’s “College Sustainability Report Card 2008” have committed to reducing carbon emissions on their campuses. Whether initiating bicycle sharing programs, reducing parking lot space, or offering shuttle services, these institutions are making great strides to lower vehicle emissions.
One area in particular where environmentally-aware campuses can completely cut out emissions is within their facilities maintenance departments. While campus maintenance crews rely heavily on vehicles to help transport materials and staff, some are making the move from larger gas-powered pickup trucks to smaller, yet equally capable electric utility vehicles.
“Electric utility vehicles offer facility and maintenance crews a great solution in the search for clean transport,” said David Selby, Club Car Director – Golf and Utility Vehicle Sales, Eastern U.S. “These departments frequently transport employees and materials using traditional gas-powered vehicles, but often the large size of a pickup and the emissions it creates are unnecessary.”
Selby recommends that facility managers check out the electric utility vehicles available on the market, including the full lineup of Carryall options offered by Club Car. Electric models run completely off of battery power, eliminating the need for gas, the expense of gas, and more importantly in today’s “greener” society- the harmful emissions from gas.
“Don’t let their efficient and ‘quiet’ nature fool you,” said Selby. “The electric Carryalls of today are tough, capable and ready to take on a full day’s workload.”
Electric Carryall models feature Club Car’s exclusive IQ Plus System,™. A high output charger, controller, onboard computer and battery system provide fast charging, and enhanced power and range. With IQ Plus, users can customize top speed, acceleration and motor braking for optimal performance.
Thanks to this innovate system, users do not have to plan work days around the life of a battery. Superior energy performance is just one way the Carryall lineup has set the bar.
“We created the standard for electric vehicles,” said Selby. “And after many years of R&D and extreme testing at our engineering headquarters, we’ve developed a lineup of vehicles that is leaner, meaner, smarter and lasts a lot longer – no matter what you’re using them for.”
Add to this advanced technology Club Car’s numerous accessories, options, and the company’s own internal ‘Custom Solutions Department,’ and the Carryall electric utility vehicle lineup leaves little to be desired.
The majority of Club Car’s campus customers add options such as cabs, van boxes, ladder racks, toolboxes, cab heaters or lights, according to Ben Fulmer, Club Car Business Development Manager – Custom Solutions. In addition, Custom Solutions has created modified vehicles for specific applications, from campus mail delivery to security. Custom Solutions also provides standardized offerings tailored to other campus needs, including packages for campus maintenance and even ambulance/medical vehicles.
“No request is beyond consideration,” said Fulmer. “We will help our customers turn their ideas into reality – even when the requests seem extraordinary.”
Reducing, Re-using and Recycling on Their Own Campus As the world’s largest producer of zero emission vehicles, Club Car is also working to reduce energy and decrease its environmental impact throughout its own facilities.
A few initiatives Club Car is spearheading include:
• Parts sourced from around the world are now evaluated on their ability to be recycled.
• Automated turn-off switches are being installed to reduce energy when equipment is not in use.
• Batteries, cardboard boxes and metal containers are being recycled.
• Auxiliary power units are being installed on tractor-trailers that deliver vehicles to reduce idling time and fuel consumption.
“We’re scrutinizing every manufacturing process, every part that goes into our vehicles and every departmental function to make sure we are operating efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner,” said Gary Michel, Club Car’s President and CEO.
In 2007 Club Car recycled more than two million pounds of waste (mostly in the form of cardboard and metal). It also decreased the amount of landfill trash produced by 25 percent. Its goal in 2008, according to John Forrester, Club Car’s Safety and Environmental Manager, is to reduce the amount of energy used to produce each of its thousands of vehicles by three percent.
“Manufacturing operations like Club Car have tremendous potential to have a positive impact on the environment,” Michel said. “We’re very serious about doing our part.”
To learn more, please contact us or visit: www.clubcar.com.
About Club Car:
Club Car manufactures a wide range of electric- and gasoline-powered vehicles for the golf, utility, transportation, private owner and rough terrain markets. Based in Augusta, Ga., Club Car is part of Ingersoll Rand, a global diversified firm providing products, services and solutions to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Driven by a 100-year-old tradition of technological innovation, we enable our customers to create progress and a positive impact in their world. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.