Dar provides an extensive range of services in waste management and public space management. Recognizing its pivotal role in promoting sustainability, Dar's strategic plan emphasizes product lifetime extension and the continuous improvement of sustainability across its operations.
Why Product Lifetime Extension?
In a constantly evolving city where accessibility is essential, Dar plays a crucial role in ensuring that roads remain safe, especially during winter. With much of their Nido winter maintenance equipment nearing the end of their lifecycle, coupled with rising sustainability demands, this presented a great opportunity to break new ground in collaboration with Aebi Schmidt Nederland.
The project involved a comprehensive overhaul and upgrade to the latest technology of 77 machines, including spreaders, snow brushes, snowplows, and a CSP nozzle system, which play a crucial role in efficient ice control. Each machine was completely disassembled and meticulously inspected, with parts being repaired, conserved, reconditioned, or replaced as needed.
“The overhaul of our winter maintenance fleet was not only impressive from a technical point of view but also a significant step toward a more sustainable future for our operations. Together with Aebi Schmidt's support we’ve reduced our environmental footprint without compromising on performance. It’s reassuring to know that our equipment is as reliable as ever, and we’re confident that this approach will help us continue to meet the demands of our growing city while staying true to our sustainability goals.” Says Dick Berends, Manager of Integrated Public Space Management at Dar.
Throughout the process, Aebi Schmidt assessed whether each part remained functionally adequate for lifetime extension, ensuring high reliability. The used machines were restored to their initial performance levels, including enhancements to improve their operation. By extending the lifespan of existing machines, Dar achieved a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions compared to producing new ones.
Operational efficiency
In addition to reducing CO2 emissions during production, Dar also targeted to minimize emissions during the operation of their spreaders. Operational efficiency aims to determine the optimal type and amount of salt, as well as fuel and maintenance requirements.
During the optimization scan of Dar’s current ice control operations, Aebi Schmidt thoroughly analyzed routes, the number of machines used, the type of spreading material, and its suitability for each machine. As a result, Dar was able to maintain coverage across the same area and within the same operational times while achieving further efficiencies. Specifically, there was a 5% reduction in kilometers driven and a 20% reduction in the square meters requiring salt spreading. These adjustments are anticipated to result in a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions, equating to a savings of 530 tons of CO2 over the next 2/2 decade. Furthermore, this optimization eliminated the need for one large spreader offering an additional CO2 saving of approximately 4 tons.
A Model for Sustainable Operations and Environmental Stewardship
Dar’s strategic partnership with Aebi Schmidt exemplifies a successful approach to sustainable operations and the principles of the circular economy. This collaboration not only delivers significant CO2 reductions and operational efficiencies but also serves as a benchmark for other municipalities with similar sustainability objectives. By optimizing equipment usage and improving route planning, Dar demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, benefiting both current and future generations.
"As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, the collaboration with Aebi Schmidt has been transformative for our ice control operations. We are proud of the results achieved and confident that the improvements will drive lasting environmental benefits, further aligning our practices with our sustainability vision. Aebi Schmidt’s expertise and detailed analysis have been invaluable in helping us achieve these milestones." said Dick Berends, Manager of Integrated Public Space Management at Dar.
We extend our thanks to Dar for their trust and collaboration as we continue to provide comprehensive solutions that enable safe, economic, and environmentally responsible operations. Our mission is to enhance the performance of our customers, and we are proud to contribute to these forward-thinking sustainability efforts.