What is the ecobutton? Using the ecobutton for 2 hours per day will save around $75 on your electricity bill and also save around 480kg of co2 pumped into the atmosphere annually. » read more
Special Member Offer Totally Workwear
Brookvale, are offering discounted clothing for Apprentices, Automotive Technicians and Corporate Staff.» read more
TOWER BANNER Advertise your business here..» read more
Superstar Cars: Making Environmental Responsibility Good Business Sense.
2008 Green Stamp Plus Environment Award Winner
Superstar Cars proves that being green does work; it reduces the businesses’ impact on the environment, saves precious resources and saves money. Superstar Cars, a family owned and run used car dealership in Albion Park Rail, is ever-growing. In the first five years of operation, Superstar Cars has grown to be three times the size and now occupies a new, state-of-the-art premises.
The Motor Traders Association of NSW recently held its annual awards night to acknowledge excellence in the industry.
Presenter: Sophie Luttrell
Photo Details: (L-R) Jenny Levett, Daniel Elms, Mike Kinsella, Sophie Luttrell, Terri Little,
John DeLaHunty
As it has grown, Superstar Cars has worked tirelessly to cause as small an amount of environmental impact as possible. The new site which it occupies, built just three years ago, was purpose built to take environmental concerns into account. The efforts and success of Superstar Cars saw it win the 2008 Green Stamp Plus Environment Award at the Motor Traders’ Association State Awards Night in September. Not only does Superstar Cars strive to comply with all relevant legislation, the business goes above and beyond to reduce its water consumption, energy usage and waste.
Owners Terri Little and Mike Kinsella have incorporated their ongoing concern for the environment into everyday business processes which, they believe, has been pivotal to the exciting success of their business. Terri Little attributes her environmental awareness to her upbringing on a farm and also her desire to reduce the negative perceptions the general community can have about the automotive industry and its affect on the environment. The hardworking staff at Superstar Cars share the same passion for the environment and business that Terri and Mike do, with staff encouraged to come up with ideas for new recycling ventures and resource saving initiatives, which are discussed at the weekly staff meeting.
All the effort has also had a financial reward, showing that it makes good business sense to be environmentally responsible. Despite tripling in size over the past five years, the amount of waste removed in the skip bins has dropped by 75%. The skip is emptied once a month instead of once a week, resulting in less waste removal costs for Superstar Cars. Rainwater is collected in underground tanks with an approximate capacity of 100,000 litres which is used for all car washing and bathroom facilities. Superstar Cars can maintain their vehicles, unhampered by water restrictions and rising water costs.
All these activities show that Superstar Cars cares; about the environment, the community, the industry and its staff. Its dedicated owners, Terri and Mike, are proud of their successful business which is achieving in every aspect which proves that being environmentally responsible makes good business sense.
Water Saving Techniques » The site holds two underground water tanks which can hold nearly 100,000 litres of rainwater for washing cars and other purposes. Mains water is only used for the kitchen. » The car wash bay uses trigger nozzles to reduce the amount of water used. Trigger nozzles can save up to 90% of the amount of water normally used when washing a car by hose. » All taps and hoses have flow restrictors built in. Whilst taps with a normal flow dispense around 15 litres per minute, taps with flow restrictors have a 5 litre per minute flow rate. » All toilets are dual flush. Normal toilets use 12 litres of water per flush, whereas dual flush toilets can save up to half that amount every time it is used. This can save tens of thousands of litres per year.
Energy Saving Techniques » All washed rags are hung on a clothes line to dry, instead of using a clothes dryer. Clothes dryers are one of the biggest energy consumers, to cut usage of this machine can save over $100 per year (if the machine is used 3 times per week). » Security lights are light-sensitive photoelectric cells to switch outdoor lights on at dusk and off at dawn which reduces energy consumption. » Solar heating is used to cut down on coal-energy usage. » The air-conditioning system operates on a timer to ensure it is not on when not needed. » All computers and office equipment are turned off afterhours and the plugs are removed from the socket. Even when “off” or in “standby”, electrical equipment can consume energy. » Skylights are used to increase the natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Waste Reducing Techniques » When providing water for customers and staff, reusable cups are used instead of disposable ones. » Old office equipment is donated to Technical Aid to the Disabled in Engadine (www.technicalaidnsw.org.au) for repair and reuse. » All surplus car accessories are kept and either given to customers, sold on ebay.com.au or given away on freecycle.org.au. » A can crusher is available for staff to crush aluminium cans for recycling. » All unusable tyres are taken to domestic gardens and used as tree guards. » Scrap metal, car batteries, cardboard, glass and other recyclables are kept separate and removed for appropriate recycling.
MTA Pre Purchase Inspection All MTA Pre-Purchase Inspections are carried out by MTA member businesses that satisfy our very stringent criteria.» read more
MTA Training MTA NSW has been a Registered Training Organisation since 1996 and has presented qualifications to many individuals all over NSW.» read more
Pro-Visual Publishing Pro-Visual Publishing produce and distribute Information Resource Charts for various industry bodies throughout Australia and internationally.» read more
Commonwealth Bank Offer Looking for a better rate?
As a member of the Motor Trade Association NSW you can now receive special rates on a wider variety of banking products, plus you’ll benefit from a dedicated relationship manager.» read more
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Every business in the Motor
Industry Benefits from Membership
The MTA provides its members with a large variety of benefits that can reduce business expenses as well as assisting businesses in operating more profitably.
The benefits of membership are many and varied and membership fees are 100% tax deductible. www.mtansw.com.au
