Public Environment Report April 2008 Sustainable practices within the industry

MTA and VACC/TACC members continue to demonstrate the importance they place in environmental management.

Many great initiatives have been reported such as water recycling, the collection and use of rainwater in metropolitan and rural areas, energy saving devices and recycling methods. We are sure that with the increasing importance placed on environmental protection and management we will continue to see great initiatives being undertaken in the years to come.

Specific environmental issues

There are still areas of environmental management that could be improved though these vary from state to state, with some reporting good management across the board. Particular areas of concern identified by environmental audits included unsafe storage of hazardous substances, inadequate spill kits, and a lack of spill management plans. There were also several cases of stormwater pollution.

Other areas addressed in the past year include the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions by body repair workshops which has been focused on by MTA-NSW. The new site contamination legislation and how it will affect members has been reviewed by MTA-SA who have had input into the draft regulations. VACC/TACC has met with the Victorian Environmental Authority to discuss the new laws prohibiting the inclusion of oil filters in scrap metal. Other issues of interest to members include climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and methods for saving energy.

Measures implemented to aid members with environmental management.

MTA-SA has worked with the EPA (SA) to develop Ecomapping, a DIY environmental auditing tool which uses a map of the business to identify environmental issues that need improvement. Launched in May the Ecomapping CD contains information and video footage on the Ecomapping process as well as environmental issues related to the motor trade.

MTA-SA has also completed guidelines on creating an Environmental Management System for business. This simple step by step guide will help members manage and minimise their businesses impact on the environment.

MTA-NSW has a training CD called “In You’re Hands” the package is interactive and a great training tool providing a large amount of information on environmental management issues including stormwater pollution and cleaning up spills. MTA-NSW has also revamped their website and revised their Environmental Information Guidelines. VACC is developing an energy calculator that is designed specifically for the automotive industry to determine the energy required for commonly performed tasks and equipment used in an automotive business. This will help members manage their environmental impact by identifying high energy use items and determining ways to reduce their energy consumption. A number of assessments have been undertaken in WA with over 15 new assessments being conducted and 20 review audits completed for workshops that wish to continue their Green Stamp accreditation. MTA-ACT has also developed a website to assist member’s access much of the Green Stamp Plus work being undertaken by MTA-NSW.

Plans for the coming year

In the coming year, the Green Stamp Plus Programme will focus on a range of activities, continuing to educate and support members with environmental management. Some of the activities that will be undertaken include the following: Each State and Territory that does not have an accreditation program for their members, will roll out a new system. The rating system will provide consumers with a clear understanding of the initiatives a business is undertaking to protect the environment.

Seminars on a range of relevant environmental issues will be undertaken. A review of the Environmental Products and Services Directory will also take place in a number of states as well as the redevelopment of other information packages such as employer handbooks and Environmental guidelines. Each MTA or VACC/TACC will conduct twenty five environmental inspections or fifteen for Northern Territory, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. The inspections will assess the environmental management issues associated with members businesses and provide recommendations on how they can be improved. Issues that will be targeted include hazard management, stormwater pollution, waste management and energy efficiency.