Sustainability and protecting the environment are more than just buzz words at JLG Industries. They are core values that pour into the individual job sites and industries we serve.
Our commitment to sustainability in the access industry extends to emission control, resource conservation and energy performance. Our sustainability journey is extensive, and ongoing.
In 2014, Oshkosh Corp., JLG’s parent company, agreed to be part of the Department of Energy Better Buildings, Better Plants program by pledging to reduce 25% of energy consumption over 10 years for the entire company. That goal was exceeded within eight years, achieving a reduction of slightly more than 30%.
In addition, we have modernized our facilities by using smarter lighting controls, better lights, upgraded boilers, HVAC units (heaters), and more.
Structured energy improvements have helped JLG achieve U.S. Department of Energy 50001 Ready status at its McConnellsburg, PA and Shippensburg, PA facilities. The 50001 Ready program recognizes facilities and organizations that attest to the implementation of an ISO 50001-based energy management system. The program is a self-paced, no-cost way for organizations to build a culture of structured energy improvement that leads to deep and sustained savings. The U.S. Department of Energy partners with utilities and other organizations to facilitate the implementation of 50001 Ready energy management systems.
JLG has achieved this for four years in a row at the Shippensburg plant, placing it in good company with other 50001 Ready organizations such as General Motors and 3M.
Internationally, JLG also has achieved ISO 14001 certification, the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems, at the Tianjin, China, facility. This prestigious achievement fosters continual environmental improvements and makes the facility a model for other manufacturers to replicate.
Green Product Solutions
The global movement towards electrification and advancements in electric vehicle technology are pushing JLG to reimagine our product portfolio. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), JLG shares in the responsibility to utilize sustainable resources and processes as much as possible in the design, manufacture and marketing of more eco-friendly aerial access products.
Since 1990, JLG has consistently invested in product electrification, from rethinking the market’s preference for traditional diesel-powered machines to using lithium-ion batteries in some of our equipment to lower job site emissions.
The electrification of equipment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey requiring a long-term commitment from OEMs, rental equipment providers and end-users to change expectations and behaviors in ways that will increase the utilization of sustainable machines on job sites. Some of the newer technologies include:
- Batteries – Advances in lithium-ion batteries are taking off, but some challenges remain, such as cost. JLG is exploring ways to reduce the total power consumption of a machine so that only one lithium-ion battery pack is needed.
- Energy recovery – More sustainable machines recover energy the machine is extending. For example, by replacing the hydraulic cylinder on a scissor lift with an electromechanical lift actuator, as the machine lowers, it spins the motor, which creates electric energy that is channeled back to the battery.
- Common machine components: Motors, controllers and actuators – This involves enhancing the motor, control system and actuators for better efficiency. Motor advancements, particularly in permanent magnet motors, promise up to 30% increased efficiency, longevity and maintenance-free operation. Control systems are also evolving, with smart controllers improving precision in machine operations and software that optimizes efficiency and preemptively addresses faults. The move towards electrification also necessitates lighter machine components to conserve energy and facilitate elevation tasks.
- Charging – With lithium-ion batteries, equipment can be fully charged in a few hours compared to traditional electric-powered lifts that take up to three times longer to charge. Lithium-ion batteries remain more expensive than traditional means, however, the pace of adoption will only accelerate as technology advances and costs come down.
Our line of electric and hybrid boom lifts are environmentally friendly, energy efficient and help keep productivity high, and JLG electric scissor lifts enable more uptime and reduce charging. Our electric scissor lifts are designed so the customer has fewer scheduled services, a quieter work area, less dependency on hydraulic oils and zero emissions.
But offering more electrified products isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint. Electrified machines have other benefits too, such as a simplified repair process and lower maintenance costs. And thanks to modern digital tools like comprehensive battery management systems and intelligent insight displays, electric machines can help equipment owners unlock greater profitability without compromising performance.
Sustainable and Renewable Energy
Energy conservation measures and the use of renewable resources are goals within JLG’s responsible manufacturing efforts.
Oshkosh Corp. partnered with ALLETE Clean Energy in a renewable energy sale agreement to develop a 303-megawatt wind energy site that was completed in 2021 in Oklahoma’s Caddo County.
This is the first virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) Oshkosh has made and the first offsite purchase of renewable energy. It supports the Oshkosh and JLG strategic sustainability and environmental goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from the project offset a significant portion of the emissions resulting from the electricity utilized by our U.S. manufacturing operations which come from non-renewable sources.
In addition to wind, harnessing solar power is powering up. Internationally, a photovoltaic system is being used at JLG facilities in Australia, Italy, Mexico and the U.K. JLG’s Port Macquarie Australia facility generates 65-80% of the facility’s energy consumption from rooftop panels. Moreover, the Leon, Mexico, facility receives 100% of its energy from a local solar farm.
An effort to expand solar capabilities to additional JLG facilities worldwide continues to be explored.
Lastly, our U.S. facilities have been working diligently to upgrade from fluorescent to LED lights, which are up to 44% more efficient that 4-ft fluorescent tubes, according to a 2023 University of Michigan study. JLG also spent significant capital to save energy by upgrading the boilers and HVAC systems for efficiency and process improvement.
Water
Phosphate-Free Process Water – For North American coatings operations, JLG replaced iron phosphate washer pretreatment with a zirconium sealer prior to paint. This eliminated phosphates from process wastewater discharge, while increasing paint adhesion. Phosphates are one of the main contaminants polluting the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. We’ve reduced phosphate discharge by 90%, thereby reducing the total amount of phosphates entering the bay by an average of 15,000 pounds per year. By reducing phosphates, we’ve both met our McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania Borough Pretreatment requirements while helping bring aquatic life back to Chesapeake Bay.
Water Reduction – The Leon, Mexico facility utilizes a water reuse system to offset purchasing additional water to wash parts prior to paint. The system is designed to treat the process wastewater, then process it through a Reverse Osmosis membrane, thereby allowing a percentage of the wastewater to be reused again onsite. It is estimated the water reuse system saves about 20-30% of water used for painting operations. The McConnellsburg, PA facility’s water reduction efforts have yielded a savings of 10 million gallons of water annually over the past 5 years. Process improvements in washer systems included optimizing rinse stages and recirculating chemical stages to ensure proper substrate preparation while reducing the site’s environmental impact.
In JLG’s Jefferson City, TN manufacturing facility, a large paint line is slated to open in January 2025 – putting in 6-stage washer pre-painting designed to use much less wastewater in washing components and changing paint colors. This 6-stage process has multiple vats that can reduce water contamination and recycle larger amounts of water.
Waste Recycling
JLG has met its goal to divert 90% of our waste from the landfill by 2024. JLG achieved a 90.6% diversion rate in July 2023 for total waste. Our definition of total waste includes material that can be landfilled, but excludes hazardous and universal waste, wastewater treatment plant sludge and recycled metals. JLG is currently working to obtain Zero Waste Certification at its Greencastle, PA facility.
We’re also using more returnable metal racks for engine components. Once unloaded, they can be returned to the manufacturer to reuse for another shipment.
It is especially rewarding when environmental awareness also involves helping people. Our used cell phones and tablets are recycled through the Cell Phones for Soldiers program. Each Earth Day, JLG encourages team members to bring in used electronics from home to participate in our Earth Day E-waste collection events. JLG also supports the “Adopt-A-Highway” program and conducts road clean-up events each year.
Continuous Sustainability Journey
JLG is dedicated to investing in electrifying our products, building greener infrastructure and implementing practices that meet the rising demand for environmental responsibility and decarbonizing of the construction site and our manufacturing facilities. These commitments are woven through our organization, and they’re how we will continue to lead the way for our customers and our industry.
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