Climate change and global warming are being driven by a continuous increase in greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO2. Summers in Japan are getting hotter year by year, and Ota City in Gunma Prefecture (Japan), where UD Trucks’ Gunma Parts Center is located, is no exception.
Gunma Parts Center, a distribution hub for domestic and overseas aftermarket vehicle parts, has applied solar heat reflective paint to the roof and outer walls of the facility. The total painted area is 41,899 m2 on the roof and 10,123 m2 for the outer wall.
The difference
UD Trucks has invested in solar heat reflective paint, which has helped reduce sweltering temperatures inside the facility and lower energy consumption. “The facility is not air-conditioned, and in summer months there was an increased risk of heat stroke. Now, it is a much more comfortable working environment,” says a Gunma Parts Center employee.
Benefits obtained
The indoor temperatures during the summer months have been lowered by up to 10.5 degrees Celsius. Temperature readings were taken at the same point with the maximum temperature decreasing by 10.5 degrees (July 2018 <38.00C> to July 2020 <27.50C>). Average temperature inside the building: 26.00C from June to September 2020, 26.50C from June to September 2022.
Also, electricity consumption has been reduced by 10% annually – more specifically: 614 MWH in 2021 vs 683 MWH in 2018 (comparing data in 2018 before solar heat reflective paint was applied).
This has led to a more comfortable workplace and fewer CO2 emissions.
The white coating has also restored the aesthetics of the building and brought other benefits such as improved waterproofing and rust prevention.
Realization of sustainable logistics and society
Other efforts to reduce CO2 emissions at the facility include converting to LED lighting, adopting electric forklifts, and sourcing renewable energy. The introduction of solar panels is also under consideration. UD Trucks Gunma Parts Center is also geographically close to Iwafune Global Center of Isuzu Motors Ltd. (Isuzu Logistics Ltd.), allowing the facilities to work on joint transportation projects that bring greater efficiencies and help reduce group CO2 emissions.
In line with the company’s ‘Better Life’ purpose, UD Trucks is committed to making life better for people and the planet.
