Green Stamp Plus launched

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of commerce (VACC) has launched an environmental accreditation program for the automotive industry.

Green Stamp Plus promotes environmental practices and sustainability and encourages business owners to practice environmental management beyond legislative requirements.

Working with state and territory motor trade associations, and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (formerly DEWHA), VACC has developed an accreditation program to benefit businesses, consumers and the wider community.

“In recent years, there has been a mind-shift in the way business owners view environmental business practice,” VACC executive director, David Purchase, said.

“Companies now want to do the right thing and many have introduced processes, particularly with regard to waste products, to a standard never previously thought possible.”

Green Stamp Plus is divided into three levels: compliance, beyond compliance and best practice. Achieving the first level (compliance) will not grant businesses accreditation as legal compliance should be practiced at all times.

However, businesses will be granted Green Stamp Plus Accreditation if they achieve the second level (beyond compliance) or the third level (best practice).

“Green Stamp Plus accreditation will change the perception of the automotive industry,” Purchase said. “It sends out a message that this sector is at the forefront of environmental sustainability practices.

“Green Stamp Plus accreditation also provides an economic incentive for business owners. Having an environmental plan, and introducing some very simple changes to the way a business works, can cut costs and, in many cases, can increase income. It is also a valuable marketing tool.

“Businesses can no longer ignore environmental issues. But it is hard to become green overnight which is why VACC employs a full-time environmental advisor, Sarah Thomas, to assist members.

“However, Green Stamp Plus accreditation is not exclusive to VACC members and we encourage all automotive retail businesses to take advantage of this program.”

To find out more about Green Stamp Plus accreditation, go to greenstampplus.com.au