Small Machines, Big Impact: EcoCentral’s Forklift Electrification Journey
WRITTEN BY KATE GISLASON – SUSTAINABILITY ENGAGEMENT LEAD
At EcoCentral, every initiative we undertake is guided by a simple but powerful goal: reducing our environmental impact and helping Christchurch move toward a more sustainable future. One of the ways we are delivering on this commitment is through the ongoing electrification of our forklift fleet — and the results speak for themselves.
By replacing petrol-powered forklifts with electric models, we have reduced our annual carbon emissions by more than 50 tonnes. That is the equivalent of t
aking 24 petrol cars off the road each year.
This transition not only supports our broader emissions reduction strategy but also improves air quality and reduces noise pollution at our EcoDrops and EcoSort Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). It is a clear example of how operational improvements, even those behind the scenes, contribute meaningfully to the circular economy we are working to build.
Electrifying our fleet is just one part of EcoCentral’s wider commitment to sustainability — reducing waste, improving recycling outcomes, and driving practical, on-the-ground action. Every change, no matter how small, helps create a bigger, lasting impact.
