DRIVE GREEN FOR CLEAN AIR

The theme for the fourth annual International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, "Together for Clean Air," highlights the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility in the fight against air pollution. Whether it's indoor or outdoor air pollution, it directly impacts human and ecosystem health. Since we all share and breathe the same air, we all have a responsibility to protect our atmosphere and ensure healthy air for everyone.

With this in view CleanCo Lanka (Pvt) limited bearing its brand as “Drive Green” and contributes largely to bring down air pollution – the growing clouds of noxious fumes and gritty soot that hangs over the cities and towns to the barest minimum through vehicle emission tests has expanded its services to mark the Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

Commenting on the issue, Deputy General Manager-Operations of CleanCo Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Eng.Surendra Perera, pointed out that the soaring death rates from respiratory diseases, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis caused by air pollution have been increasing in alarming proportions. It has reached seven million people a year worldwide, of which 4.2 million are victims of noxious gases emitted from vehicles and factories.

These statistics depict the situation before the Covid-19 Pandemic, a matter of serious concern. The ten most severely affected cities in the world are in our nearest neighbor, India. In China, people living in industrialized areas even carry oxygen bags on their backs when walking along the roads. Fortunately, Sri Lanka is not faced with a similar dire situation due to precautionary steps taken by the government since 2008 to control air pollution caused by noxious gases. Vehicle emissions contribute to 60% of the country's air pollution.

“CleanCo Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is one of the two accredited institutions to perform vehicle emission test or the green test and having ISO 17020 for inspection bodies from Sri Lanka Accreditation Borad. In fact the government launched this project since this aerial pollution is caused by the emission of gasoline exhaust from automobiles and it is getting worse every year. The green test is instrumental in minimizing air pollution while being an impetus behind proper maintenance of vehicles that result in efficient engine torque and fair fuel consumption. It has a direct impact on the economy of the vehicle users.”

The ongoing economic crisis, which has led to increasing maintenance costs, has deterred vehicle owners from performing preventive maintenance at regular intervals. It has been observed that they are reluctant to address maintenance needs due to the high associated costs, despite the potential hazards. Neglecting regular maintenance can result in extensive damage to the engine. Preventive maintenance is essential for trouble-free vehicle ownership. Certain components, the replacement of which is necessary at regular intervals to protect the engine, are not overly expensive. For example, the air filter plays a crucial role in safeguarding the engine and ensuring efficient performance. Air filters covered with dust should be cleaned approximately every three weeks, especially in dry climatic conditions. This maintenance task incurs no additional costs and can be easily performed at home by yourself.

The spark plugs should be cleaned at times between 2,000 and 3,000 kilometers for enhanced efficiency of fuel consumption. Poor engine performance due to defective spark plugs results in fuel waste.

The engine is the heart of a vehicle and it should be subject to periodical checks just as one is subject to a medical checkup on cholesterol level, hypertension, heart, liver and kidney functioning. Similar attention is required in case of the engine of a vehicle. A vehicle emission testing test report shows the performance of the engine and what things to be corrected.

“ It is very important that only the supplier recommended spare parts are used in repairs to a vehicle. Use of low cost spare parts results in repeated replacements at short intervals and should be considered as a loss of money”

We have conducted researches and demonstrations for the general public and government officials to showcase the engine performance per litre of fuel in vehicles that initially failed the green test and the same vehicles after passing the green test to highlight the enhanced fuel efficiency. This improvement has been established through our research. If vehicles are well maintained, they can contribute to environmental friendliness while significantly reducing the country's annual expenditure on foreign fuel imports. Currently, Sri Lanka has an average of about 6 million vehicles operating on its roads. By ensuring these vehicles are maintained up to the required standards, we can greatly reduce the death toll and health issues associated with air pollution, benefitting the public as a whole.

Our company has initiated a public awareness program for motor vehicle technicians across the country, aimed at protecting the environment from noxious gases. In addition to this, we are involved in beach cleaning and tree planting campaigns, among other environmental promotion programs. These initiatives are carried out with the assistance of approximately 800 employees working across our 250 testing centers nationwide.

For several years, we have been implementing an environmental promotion program focused on cleaning the Sri Pada pilgrim route up to the Sri Padastana immediately after the pilgrim season, as well as maintaining the surroundings of tanks and reservoirs following the Poson pilgrim season. We conduct approximately 50 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs related to environmental protection and fuel wastage prevention across the country, recognizing the significance of these efforts."

Our main objective is to provide our services to the complete satisfaction of our customers. To achieve this, we have introduced an innovative service to commemorate International Day for Blue Sky. This service provides a web link to customers who receive the green test certificate from our institution. This 'Fuel Saving Web Link' indicates the vehicle's fuel consumption efficiency and maintenance standards. Owners can gain a clear perspective of their vehicle's condition at no cost through this web link.

Our green test centers are staffed by managers and technical officers who possess in-depth knowledge on the subject. They can advise you on the necessary steps to eliminate any technical defects or shortcomings in your vehicle, if any exist. We invite you to take advantage of these benefits.

We have comprehensive information on vehicle emission details and your vehicle's fuel efficiency history in our database. Therefore, we encourage all motorists to visit one of our Drivegreen vehicle emission centers located throughout the entire island.

“The blue line in the graph indicates the percentage of fuel waste during the green test and purple line the waste cost wise. From this you will be able to have a clear idea of your vehicle’s fuel consumption efficiency. This diagram represents three stages: Type, Model and MF year. The fuel consumption of your vehicle and its value in relation to other vehicles of the same model will be clarified by the graph when item “Type” is selected and when item “MF” year is selected you will get the year of manufacture of your vehicle and the value of fuel waste, if any, in comparison to all other vehicles of that model.”

“We have achieved a series of positive outcomes in relation to environmental protection through the green test programme introduced in 2008. This programme has been largely instrumental in holding down tail-pipe emission of vehicles that resulted in air pollution and the control of greenhouse gases polluting the lower atmosphere. According to Senior Lecturer of Moratuwa University, Dr.Thusithapala, the imminent air pollution caused by the emission of noxious gases from vehicles had been reduced by 17.5 percent and the effect of greenhouse gases by 15 percent by 2017.”

“The graph below indicates the efforts of our institution, which is dedicated to the prevention of environmental pollution, apart from the vehicle emission test, through safe disposal of non-degradable and non- recyclable plastic waste and toner by handing them over to the relevant institutions dealing with garbage disposal. It is a classic example for our sense of high responsibility as an environmental friendly institution.”

“After all, we advise you again to have the green test of your vehicle done on time. The engine is the heat of the vehicle just as the heart of the human body. Green test indicates the functioning of the heart of the vehicle. The shortcomings, if any, revealed by the green test should be attended in the interest of the country, the environmental, and to prevent the waste of money” Deputy General Manager of the CleanCo Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Eng.Surendra Perera said.

He further said “Meanwhile, as a member of the public walking along the road you have a responsibility on your part to prevent air pollution caused by vehicle emission. If you happened to notice a motor vehicle belching smoke, please note down the registration number, the location, and the date and take its photo if possible and inform over the Motor Traffic Department’s Vehicle Emission Test Programme WhatsApp No. 0703-5000525 or 0113-100152 and 0112669915.