Cargo and ground handling operations have been made more sustainable through measures such as 89% of its GSE fleet for cargo handling operations and 30% of its ramp handling equipment going electric.
WFS Spain’s Going Green Team are testing new green GSE and collaborating with start-up companies to assess new types of electrically powered equipment and converting engines to hydrogen power.
Since fossil fuel powered vehicles cannot be eliminated in the short-term, WFS is partnering with O3-Protegelo to use its patented technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Stations in Barcelona, Madrid, Asturias, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Valencia and Vitoria are the latest operations across WFS’ global network to be powered by 100% renewable energy, supported by energy solutions designed into new-build facilities and installing solar panels on the roofs of existing handling centres.
Vehicle and equipment performance is being optimised with telematic geolocation systems to track and monitor usage.
WFS is also participating in an initiative to pool some handling vehicles between different ramp operators to eliminate equipment redundancy.
In Madrid and Seville, vehicle drivers have completed an eco-driver training course provided by specialists from the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia focusing on lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions, which WFS says has reduced fuel consumption by 18%.
LED lighting is being installed in warehouses and other initiatives include using recycled plastic to cover ULDs and new compacting machinery in Madrid to increase plastic waste segregation and recycling.
Humberto Castro, Managing Director of WFS Spain, said: “When it comes to sustainability, actions speak louder than words. WFS has set out a very clear sustainability strategy for its global operations and, in Spain, we are already at an advanced stage of delivering many of these targets through our strong green focus, our ability to invest in the best solutions, and the support of our teams across all our Spanish operations, who understand why this is so important and what they can do to contribute. We are continuing to move forward in all our focus areas and learning from the sustainability experiences of other WFS stations around the world.”