Riwal realizes 54% reduced soot emissions

Riwal, rental and sales specialist of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, has achieved a reduction in soot emissions of no less than 54% by switching from diesel to Shell GTL Fuel. This is evident from research conducted by SOS Advies and others in recent months.

Substantial reduction
By significantly reducing the emission of elemental carbon (as soot is also called), Riwal contributes significantly to the improvement of local air quality, but also to the well-being of operators and their working environment. In fact, the same study also showed that the amount of respirable dust (fine dust, the dust part that can be inhaled) decreased by 27%. The amount of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emitted decreased by 16%, while the amount of nitrogen monoxide (NO) even decreased by 36% compared to conventional diesel.

During the study, emissions were compared between identical diesel-powered machines equipped with TIER4 engines, which were fuelled with conventional diesel or Shell GTL Fuel. The emission results of the study are all well below the legally required values.

Benefits Shell GTL Fuel
With this reduction in soot and particulate emissions, Riwal is quickly seeing the results of the investment it made last year. The company switched all its diesel-powered equipment to Shell GTL Fuel as of October 1, 2018. GTL stands for gas-to-liquids, is made from natural gas and burns cleaner than conventional diesel from petroleum. This results in a reduction in emissions of particulates, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. The fuel is also odorless, quieter and biodegradable, which is a big advantage for employees working with (or near) the machines or working in enclosed spaces. Moreover, no modifications or additional investments are necessary for existing diesel equipment.

Riwal takes responsibility
By switching from diesel to Shell GTL Fuel, a choice made after careful research, Riwal is taking its responsibility for the environment, its customers and its own employees. The fact that Shell GTL Fuel leads to fewer local emissions and less black smoke has now been additionally proven by this research.

Greenest rental fleet in the Netherlands
Riwal's goal, in addition to being a partner for safe working at height, is to achieve the "greenest rental fleet in the Netherlands" and to be able to offer a wide range of electrical equipment to its customers. In addition, through its partnership with Shell and the use of Shell GTL Fuel, Riwal can provide its customers with cleaner diesel-powered equipment on site, which is mainly used in the construction, installation and maintenance sector.

Transition period
Johan van Klinken, Country Manager Riwal Benelux explains, "Electrifying our entire fleet is not feasible due to practical reasons. For example, the operating time without recharging is not sufficient for jobs where our equipment is idling all day. Also, manufacturers do not yet make 100% electric machines for rough terrain or with a working height higher than 20 meters, for example. Hence, since 2014, we ourselves have converted a 26-meter articulated boom lift and three types of telescopic boom lifts of 28, 38 and 43 meters from diesel to 100% electric. So for now we are in a transition period and Shell GTL Fuel is the best alternative for our diesel-powered equipment. We really believe in this product".