Humanitarian project vehicles and motorcycles, seminar
On June 15, 2006 Kjaer & Kjaer had the pleasure of hosting a seminar for our partners about the effects vehicles and motorcycles have on the environment, followed by a presentation on how to minimize this impact and prolong their life span.
4-stroke technology reduces environmental impact
Being a key supplier of project vehicles in developing countries, we remain focused on the pivotal role these engines of development play in bringing urgently needed relief, moving people and supplies and keeping aid on the move. At the same time we have to maintain and encourage proper stewardship of the environment, which is why we are the official supplier of Honda motorcycles, with ecologically friendly 4-stroke engines.
From UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) in Nairobi, Mr. Rob de Jong flew in to present the work they are doing in developing countries and to discuss the effects engines have on the local environment. Together with Rob de Jong and the audience we investigated and discussed how to work toward a reduced environmental footprint from the vehicles, motorcycles and other engines being imported for projects in developing countries.
>> See the PowerPoint presentation (1,8 MB)(Extract from Rob de Jong's presentation)
Estimated annual health effects from use of leaded fuel in Egypt:
>> Read Rob de Jongs profile
By the way, did you know that the elimination of leaded gasoline in Sub Sahara was completed by the end of 2005?
From Ireland we welcomed Mr. Anthony Walsh, a transport consultant who has been working with leading NGOs, and international organizations like IFRC.
Tony informed about the challenges organizations face when running fleets of motorcycles with 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines and the pro and cons about both engine types.
Historically many projects and UN organizations have been using 2-stroke engines and have experienced many problems and lengthy down time due to lack of knowledge about maintenance of this kind of engine.
Tony’s recommendation is to use 4-stroke technology, which has a longer life span, reduced environmental impact, better fuel economy and less down time.
(Extract from Anthony Walsh presentation)
>> See the PowerPoint presentation (145 KB)
>> Read Anthony Walsh's profile
Test drive of Nissan vechicles and Honda motorcycles
In the afternoon Kjaer & Kjaer arranged test drives of Nissan vehicles and Honda 4-stroke motorcycles for all participants in a nearby off road course. Everyone was invited to test drive various 4 WD Nissan’s together with skilled instructors just as various off road Honda 4-stroke Motorcycles were available for test drives.
At the end of the seminar, the overwhelming response was positive and we concluded with a sense that the environmental impact of vehicles should be given a higher priority by all stakeholders working in developing countries.
To ensure that this valuable session reaches as many interested parties as possible, we have made the full presentations available. Please contact k.bendsen@kjaer.com to receive a copy.
Profile of Rob de Jong
Rob De Jong works for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Division of Policy Development and Law. He is based at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Rob studied Environmental Sciences and Environmental Policy and has worked for the Netherlands Governments, the United Nationals Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), and UNEP. Within UNEP he is responsible for urban environment activities. One priority activity in the field of urban environment is the issue of urban air quality in developing country cities. One of his responsibilities is the Clearing House for Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles, as agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
Profile of Anthony Walsh
Anthony Walsh is an independent transport consultant with wide experience of working with both Donor and Non-Government Organizations including Concern, Care, Oxfam, and IFRC and has a proven ability in the design and implementation of logistics systems for emergency and humanitarian response. He is experienced in humanitarian logistics and transport management systems and has specialist competencies in training of trainers’ facilitation, curricula development and the design and implementation of performance and appraisal systems for transport sector. Anthony is currently studying for Masc. in Supply Chain Management
