Cargo terminal aims to be carbon-neutral

Dnata Cargo uses an electric elevated transfer vehicle to move packages in their warehouse in the Dubai Airport Free Zone.

DUBAI // Solar panels and low-energy lighting will be installed at a Dnata cargo terminal at Dubai International Airport as part of efforts to make it a carbon-neutral facility. "Transport and logistics are large carbon polluters we use diesel trucks and aircraft but we're doing our bit to neutralise that and reduce our carbon footprint," said Stuart Hayman, Dnata's vice president for cargo operations.

The project is funded by the Dubai Department of Economic Development, which hopes the revamped terminal will be an example to other businesses. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Solar panels will be installed on the roof of the building, and the energy will charge the 17 battery-powered forklift trucks used in the terminal, one of seven at the airport operated by Dnata. "We have a huge roof and an unlimited supply of energy. Let's use some of it," Mr Hayman said.

In addition, the older halogen lighting will be replaced by fluorescent bulbs that use less energy. The changes will not make the terminal completely carbon neutral, Mr Hayman said, because some forklift trucks used there are diesel-powered. The company will purchase carbon credits to offset its carbon production. "Hopefully what we achieve here will be fed back into new building applications, so if you want to build a new logistics warehouse, certain ground standards will have to be achieved," Mr Hayman said.