Metric goes 'even greener'

The UKs only pay and display machine manufacturer has put in place a new environmental policy that has been unveiled on their web site which has undergone a major upgrade.

Metric, which takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously, is committed to achieving the international ISO 14001 standard accreditation with their product facility, maintenance and installation services.

Metric has found that renewable energy sources, such as solar powered ticketing machines, continue to be in demand and are increasingly sought after.

Technology has been developed to create even more efficient use of solar energy to lower the carbon footprint during the lifetime of a parking machine.

Metrics latest pay and display parking machine, the Aura, was designed with reduced carbon emissions in mind. Now it is the turn of the older Accent machine to undergo energy saving improvements for a big environmental impact.

London Buses is the first Accent customer to recognise and demonstrate the environmental benefits of modifying their roadside ticketing machines to improve power consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

The London bus network has successfully introduced light emitting diode (LED) lighting at all of its Accent roadside ticket machines (RTMs). The LED technology uses up to 75% less energy than conventional light and will reduce carbon emissions equivalent to the weight of 10 double deck buses every year.

London Buses has introduced the brighter energy saving lighting to 1,109 mains powered Accent ticket machines. Their 365 days a year operation will save 170 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

If Metric can continue with the LED programme and convert their 20,000-plus Accent machines throughout the UK, these will be making a saving on carbon emissions equivalent to the weight of nearly 200 London buses.

The option will be offered to Metrics wider customer base which uses Accent machines and, if taken up, will save a total of 3,065 tons of carbon a year.

The newly launched Metric web site will also feature the companys environmental policy towards sourcing only vehicles with CO2 emissions under 160g for their 100-vehicle fleet with a target to reduce this even further as vehicle technology progresses.

With over 90 engineers on the road, Metrics service department monitor their carbon footprint very closely. All vehicles are fitted with tracking devises and as a result of their GPS software they can direct the closest engineer to a call, minimising use of fuel and carbon emissions.

Staff working at Metrics Swindon headquarters are also encouraged to car share to work and a pool car scheme operates to reduce the need for company vehicles for essential users on company business.

In addition to product recycling (WEEE Regulations), the recycling of materials such as metals, cardboard, plastics and paper is a strategy that is also strictly followed at the Swindon manufacturing facility an environmental policy that equally applies to their offices.

Paper towels are no longer used by Metric staff. Energy efficient air dryers have been installed at their headquarters, Metric House, Westmead Drive, westmead Industrial Estate, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7AD. And disposable tea/coffee cups have also been withdrawn.

Customers wishing to convert their Metric Accent pay and display parking machines to the LED technology can contact Metric on 01793 647800.

Photograph and figures on carbon emission savings are courtesy of TFL.