National Public Environment Report 2009
Introduction
The Green Stamp Plus Program has been in place since 2005. This initiative aims to educate members of the automotive industry. The program is run nationally by Motor Trade associations and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 the Green Stamp Plus Grant will reach the end of its Commonwealth funding; however due to the value placed in environmental services and education with in the industry and the great achievements of the program and its participants Green Stamp Plus will continue.
Sustainable practices within the industry
Over the last three years there have been many improvements to sustainable practices within the industry. Key drivers for the industry to make improvements to their environmental management include money savings that can be made by carrying out efficient sustainable practices. Also consumers are choosing products and services based on cost and the environment.
VACC has seen improvements to waste management, spill management, storage practices, and awareness of energy, greater staff training, water saving techniques and the implementation of environmental plans and policy.
MTA SA noted an obvious increase in member interest and awareness in environmental management over the last year. Members are installing rain water tanks to collect rainwater for use within the business and installing energy efficient lighting to conserve energy. Other management initiatives include the protection of stormwater and recycling of waste products.
In NSW Member businesses are generally aware of the basic legislative requirements. Most are separating wastes and having them removed by licensed carriers. Spill management is improving. Some businesses are recycling solvent in-house. Many businesses are aware of reducing energy consumption.
Some sustainable strategies employed by businesses in WA include having water recycling systems that recycle wastewater from wash-bays for re-use. Green Stamp businesses also have very effective methods of spill control procedures in place, and management plans to monitor the business’ on-going environmental responsibilities. Members are also protecting stormwater, to ensure that only clean water enters stormwater drains.
The majority of MTA NT members have been reducing their energy usage by installing energy efficient lighting and where new workshops have been constructed, the opportunity has been taken by members to include skylights to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Sector specific environmental issues
The single biggest area of concern identified by MTAQ audits is that almost half of the sites visited had no spill management plan and did not have spill management kits readily on hand. Half the sites audited also were not recycling cardboard. Improvements could also be made to the storage of contaminated parts in sealed bins.
The cost of waste disposal is high in some regional areas in NSW and the ACT, making it impossible for members to obtain appropriate waste collectors resulting in more waste in landfill. Small business owners in NSW are also unlikely to have environmental management plans or policies. The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) introduced Underground Petroleum Storage System (UPSS) legislation which has placed a large administrative and financial burden on many businesses.
In Victoria and Tasmania stormwater and waste storage management are common issues requiring improvement. There is also a lack of enforcement by authorities and it is felt that there is not enough information available for small business from the EPA and local councils. VACC is liaising with EPA and councils to discuss solutions that will increase positive environmental outcomes.
Recycling of waste products in rural South Australia is difficult for members as the services available for recycling are limited resulting in more waste going to landfill. Hazardous chemical storage is another area that needs addressing within the industry. There is also a lack of appropriate spill kits and spill management plans.
MTA NT has found that there is also a need for environmental management plans within business; they are addressing this by assisting members with the development of these management plans and through the distribution of their new handbook. A high level of rainfall and stormwater runoff during the wet season also poses problems for MTA NT members who must remain vigilant in ensuring bunding and sediment traps are adequate. The lack of cost-effective recycling and waste management infrastructure remains a problem for all MTA NT members.
MTA WA members are having difficulties finding businesses that collect specialist waste, which may be a result of the recession. The value of materials, such as scrap metal is very minimal, and it is costing businesses to get rid of scrap metal rather than being paid to have their scrap metal taken.
The majority of issues that require improvement will be addressed in each state and territory through the continuation of educational materials such as articles, fact sheets, member visits and presentations.
Measures implemented since program began
This year MTA NSW, MTA SA and VACC have all developed a Green Stamp Accreditation program, based on the program that has existed since 2000 in WA and is also used in QLD. The Accreditation program aims to recognise the environmental management efforts of members and assist them in promoting their achievements to consumers. MTA NT has not adopted an accreditation program rather they are providing members with certificates recognising their environmental achievements.
Each State and Territory publishes articles in newsletters, journals and monthly magazines to keep members informed of current environmental practices and environmental issues.
Nationally, seminars, meetings and training sessions are used to share the latest environmental information and promote the Green Stamp Plus Program. MTA NT has found that the sessions allow members to voice difficulties they were having in making changes and that members found the meetings useful for networking.
Environmental audits are conducted by each state and territory association. The audits continue to provide members with recommendations for environmental improvement on a range of areas such as spill management, recycling, hazardous substance storage and energy efficiency.
Environmental guidelines and fact sheets have been provided to members nationally they cover a wide range of environmental impacts and management strategies for example waste management, storage practices, spill clean up, environmental management policies and risk assessment
The Green Stamp Plus Website has continued to be updated and provides a range of information and resources to members and the public. This website will be a great tool for the promotion of the Accreditation programs in each state and territory and will continue to be a resource used in the future. Each Association or Chamber of Commerce has also provided environmental information to their members through their own websites.
This year NSW and VACC have each developed an Environmental Product and Services Directory. NSW has distributed nearly 5,000 copies through its Membership base, local Councils and information nights. The Directories give contact details for providers of waste removal services and environmental products and have helped numerous businesses identify environmental needs and locate providers.
Other initiatives include the development of an energy calculator by VACC, as well as a self assessment tool for analysing environmental management practices. MTA WA has held educational seminars for apprentices, businesses and local government authorities
During the last year MTA SA has also produced a new and improved Environmental Section in the MTA SA handbook which was distributed to all members early in 2009. MTA NT has also developed a handbook entitled "Safety Health Environment at work in the Northern Territory retail motor trades industry."
Future of the program
Green Stamp Plus is a valued program in each state and territory providing important services and materials to assist the industry in more sustainable practices. As such the program and its aims will continue despite the completion of the Green Stamp Plus Grant.
Each Association and Chamber plans to continue to provide environmental education and services to members. MTA NSW will develop online training modules to assist small businesses train their staff on environmental issues. There are also plans for MTA NSW to assist businesses to keep environmental records and form unique management plans.
MTAQ will be awarding the members it audits with accreditation to raise the profile of the program. Their product and services directory will also be updated. They will continue to liaise with local councils to provide input into the future development of local government environmental policy.
MTA SA will continue to provide members with environmental management advice and services including free environmental audits, Ecomapping assistance and environmental planning advice. The MTA SA Waste management chart will also be expanded to provide members with more information on products and services. The Green Stamp Plus Accreditation will continue to be used to award members for their great environmental achievements.
VACC/TACC will continue to run its Accreditation program and are developing an online environmental training program addressing best management practices in the industry and assists with the development of an environmental plan. Completing the course will also grant the student advance standing when completing the Certificate IV in Frontline Management (Automotive). Other initiatives that will continue include the environmental assessments, the presentation of information at member evenings and the continued development of environmental tools and guidelines to promote positive environmental outcomes in the industry.
MTA WA will continue to run its accreditation program, and has been invited to attend the ‘2009 City of Belmont Business Environmental Awards’ as held by the City of Belmont. MTA WA is currently awaiting the approval of the Green Stamp Business Plan, which has been submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation’s (WA) Waste Authority. The Business Plan detailed objectives and goals for the next 3 years of Green Stamp and further funding for the same period was requested.
MTA NT has applied for funding from the Northern Territory Government to help deliver the Program and will continue to promote the aims and goals of the Green Stamp Plus Program in the interests of members as well as the wider community that the retail motor trades engage in activities that are environmentally sustainable.