By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor
When CN field workers replace the 6-volt batteries in their lanterns, they tend to drop the spent batteries on the ground. Over time, what’s amounted to a sea of dead batteries has posed a trifecta of problems: a tripping risk to employees, a chemical-leak hazard to the environment and an eyesore to all.
The lingering issue prompted two conductors and a locomotive engineer to approach CN Transportation Manager Adam “Ahmad” Ata earlier this year about finding a solution, according to an online post.
Ata is an EcoChampion — or environmental/conservation driver — in CN’s EcoConnexions employee engagement program. The Class I partnered with conservation organization Earth Rangers to develop the program, which is designed to drive sustainability by empowering workers and their families to conserve energy, reduce waste and improve housekeeping tasks.
Shortly before being approached, Ata was shown a smaller and lighter lantern by another conductor who had been using it when connecting train air hoses. Ata then researched the lantern and found a model that operates on rechargeable batteries.
As a member of CN’s Frontline Supervisor Council, Ata meets monthly with such senior executives as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rob Reilly and Vice President of Sustainability Janet Drysdale. During a recent meeting, he mentioned the new lantern when suggestions were sought on more ways to help protect the environment through the EcoConnexions program.
Transportation Manager Adam “Ahmad” Ata — one of CN’s EcoChampions — drove an effort to adopt smaller and lighter lanterns powered by rechargeable batteries. CN Ata offered to conduct a small pilot project with the lanterns — a proposal that was fully endorsed by CN’s sustainability team. Twelve of the lanterns then were tested for a few months in various yards located in Alberta. Ata is based in Jasper, Alberta.
Now, CN plans to eventually phase out battery-powered lanterns and adopt the smaller and lighter rechargeable-battery lanterns systemwide. The Class I declined to identify the new lantern’s manufacturer.
When fully implemented, the changeout is estimated to save $2.5 million annually in equipment, battery and disposal costs. In addition, the railroad expects to re-use about 77,000 batteries each year.
Currently, the new lanterns are being introduced in the field as existing lanterns need to be replaced, says CN Senior Advisor of Media Relations and Public Affairs Mathieu Gaudreault.
“These new rechargeable battery lanterns reduce a lot of hazardous battery waste, are more durable, and lightweight, and have a magnetic base, which is helpful in day-to-day operations,” he says.
The lantern initiative serves as a prime example of putting field employees’ eco-minded ideas into action, CN leaders believe.
