Remaining environmentally friendly in the modern world is important for doing your part in helping to reverse the effects of climate change. Alternative fuel methods are becoming increasingly popular in all forms of industry, especially those that release less carbon into the atmosphere. Regular fossil fuel burning is one of the largest producers of carbon emissions into the atmosphere, which can lead to increased levels of global warming.
One of the most effective modern innovations that has been introduced into industry is the use of cleaner methods of powering machinery. In the past, LPG was one of the more sustainable solutions but in recent years electricity has become more prominent. Regardless of electricities increase in demand, the question still needs to be asked as to whether LPG is eco-friendly, especially when compared to other alternatives such as diesel.
What is LPG?
Liquified Petroleum Gas, or LPG, is a combination of two natural gases, propane and butane. The hydrocarbon gas is colourless and highly efficient when used in engines, as well as being easy to replace thanks to it being supplied in handy portable containers. LPG is liquified through moderate pressure and is then stored in a gas bottle. LPG bottles can be stored both indoors and outdoors, and are relatively low risk to keep in bulk. This means that you can purchase a large quantity of tanks to ensure that you always have the power that you need.
With this in mind, is LPG environmentally friendly? Essentially, yes but it is still important to remember that LPG is still considered a fossil fuel when asking this question. A fossil fuel is defined as a ‘natural fuel such as coal or gas that has been formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.’Fossil fuels are regularly burnt to provide power and the most common examples include:
- Coal
- Petroleum
- Natural gases
Burning fossil fuels releases carbon and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These are major factors to increasing temperatures around the globe. LPG can be considered a form of green energy. Green energy is an energy source that is generated from natural resources and is considered ‘clean’ as it does not release harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Is LPG eco-friendly because it is considered a green energy source? The short answer is yes. Using LPG fuels means that you are releasing very minimal levels of carbon dioxide and no soot, as well as having an incredibly low contamination risk. In the event of an LPG leak the liquified gas will evaporate immediately to prevent contamination of the natural environment. LPG gas has been identified as more environmentally friendly than all other fuel types when tested in cars and vans, so it makes perfect sense to be used in industrial machinery such as forklifts.
LPG vs Electric Power
One of the main competitors for LPG that is becoming increasingly popular is electricity. Electric power has become a major player in the world of renewable energy, and when harvested from sources such as solar power can be considered a green energy. Electric forklifts have become increasingly popular in industrial life as they release zero emissions whilst also generally being easier to use. LPG vs electric power is a question that should be asked when considering environmental impact.
Whilst both have definite positives, is LPG eco-friendly when compared to electricity? There are some crossovers that may affect your decision of which to use. Electric products will need to be charged up when they run out of power, and LPG canisters will similarly need to be changed when running low. The costs of running both of these means of powering machines however are minimal.
Is LPG better for the environment than electricity? It can be. It depends how the electricity is sourced. Electricity that has been generated through renewable, clean means such as solar power is incredibly environmentally friendly. However, electricity generated through the burning of fossil fuels is still detrimental to the environment.
The Benefits of LPG Forklifts
When purchasing a forklift, LPG powered machinery is becoming increasingly popular. The benefits of an LPG forklift are not limited to purely environmental factors. Whilst remaining incredibly clean in terms of emissions, there are definitely other factors that make LPG lift trucks a viable option without having to worry is LPG eco-friendly.
LPG products are known for their reliability for continuous use without losing any quality over time. This is achieved as they are easily refuelled by simply replacing canisters. Similarly, this also means that you do not have to spend too much time waiting for the forklift to refuel or recharge. Reliability does not only mean long-term quality assurance, but power and lifting ability is also at a paramount. Our stock of LPG forklifts have weight lifting capacities ranging from 1,500kg to 10,000kg, so no matter the job you will be able to lift whatever you need.
The Importance of Remaining Environmentally Friendly
In the last 22 years the record for the hottest year has been broken 20 times. Climate change and global warming are one of the most prominent threats to civilisation that we have ever faced, so ensuring you are doing everything that you can to alleviate emissions is incredibly important. Whilst eco-friendly machinery such as forklifts are a great way of cutting emissions, our range of diesel-powered forklifts also provide excellent lifting capabilities that are incredibly versatile whilst also having low emissions to keep your workplace safe.
If you would like any further information on our LPG forklifts, or for more answers on the question of ‘is LPG eco-friendly’ simply get in touch with our friendly team. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with any queries you may have.