Snow removal is often part of outdoor maintenance management, and practicing sustainability can be included in this year’s efforts. Sustainable snow removal can help companies make progress on their ESG goals, increase operational efficiency, and cut costs.
Creating a successful strategy for sustainable snow removal starts with early planning and effective execution.
Newer equipment
Today’s tools offer sustainable solutions for maintenance managers looking to go greener with snow removal. If you’re using older equipment, you may want to invest in more modern versions. Newer snowblowers can be four-stroke, hybrid, battery, or fully electric models, and can decrease emissions by 70 to 90 per cent, while also using less fuel. If you are outsourcing your snow removal, choose vendors who use newer, greener equipment and practice strategic scheduling to cut down on their travel and emissions.
Eco-friendly products
Eco-friendly options also exist for ice melters. While salt (sodium chloride) is a common, affordable option, the runoff can damage soil, harm ecosystems, and cause corrosion. Consider using alternatives like calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), potassium acetate, or beet-based additives for more environmentally friendly options, depending on the temperatures in your area.
Use your ice melter strategically to avoid wasting your product. Spraying salt brine before storms is a strategy that can cut product use by 20 to 30 per cent, extending your inventory and saving you money. By staying ahead of the weather, you may also be able to cut down on the machinery needed to remove small amounts of snow, relying on manual labour instead.
RELATED: Preparing your property for snow
Maintenance and operational practices
Keeping your equipment in good working order means ensuring that it is performing optimally, extending its lifespan, and creating less waste for the landfills. Conduct regular inspections and tune-ups, complete repairs properly, and train your staff on proper use and maintenance practices. Ensure that your teams are operating the machinery and using the tools with sustainability in mind by reducing idling, avoiding over-application, and scheduling strategically to minimize environmental impact.
Snow removal can become more sustainable for maintenance managers with mindful attention to equipment, tools, and practices.
