Ever think about what happens to used escalator rails?
I never had, particularly while riding an escalator at the Portland International Airport. Yet beyond the fast-paced world of running planes on time, is a sustainable mind-set that’s on the radar at the PDX airport.
Stan Jones, the Port of Portland Waste Minimization Manager recently posted a unique EcoChallenge on EcoApprentice entitled “Escalator Rail Reuse“.
NEEDED: Home for thousands of feet of used escalator rail – HEAVY DUTY!, Nearly indestructible.
In the past, used rails have been sporadically reused for boat bumpers at docks/moorages and for bumper rail in loading dock areas, but the Port is seeking a more permanent solution.
Stan shared via a conversation on 3/8/12 that sustainability practices are good for business, good for the environment, and good for our community. Sustainability = efficiency! And regarding escalator rails specifically he said - There are likely thousands and thousands of feet of waste escalator rails coming out of airports, malls, office buildings, etc across the country. A practical reuse/upcycling solution could have a nationwide (world wide?) impact.
Might you have a great idea on an answer to this escalator conundrum? It’s free to join and post it on EcoApprentice, or maybe you have your own unique EcoChallenge? We would like to send it out to our community for an answer. Till then, may all your escalator adventures take you up or down, just keep your hands on the rails!
© 2012, ecoadmin. All rights reserved.
