Helping smash repairers go greener

 

Smash repairers can now access a ‘one-stop-shop’ resource to help them reduce their workshop’s environmental impact.

The EcoSmash website, developed by NRMA Insurance and launched in NSW and the ACT recently, gives smash repairers information on environmental compliance, as well as advice on ways they can save money by eliminating waste and reducing energy and water consumption.

EcoSmash has been developed in conjunction with the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and is endorsed by the Motor Traders’ Association of NSW.
It was launched at Nathans Smash Repairs at Mulgrave in western Sydney, with state MP John Aquilina welcoming the initiative.

“It is pleasing to see insurers working with smash repairers and government to promote best environmental practice in small businesses,” Aquilina said.

He urged those at the launch to send out a message to other people to “get on board now”.

While agreeing that being ‘green’ can come at a cost, Aquilina said there would be a greater price in the future for those who don’t jump on board now.

“It needs to start with us,” he said.

Launching the initiative, NRMA Insurance national manager for supply chain, Roy Briggs, said it would give smash repairers helpful information on making their business more environmentally friendly.

“EcoSmash helps them make sure they are compliant with NSW environmental legislation, as well as providing tips and strategies to achieve environmental best practice,” Briggs said.

Richard Nathan of Nathans Smash Repairs said his company was committed to making sure its workshop was environmentally friendly.

“We try to minimise our impact on the environment and implement sound strategies where we can,” he said.

“EcoSmash will make things a bit easier as it has a lot of useful and practical information in one place.”

EcoSmash has information for smash repairers who are at all levels of environmental planning – from the basics on compliance requirements through to improving environmental performance and advanced strategies.

Briggs said helping smash repairers meet environmental standards was important to the insurer.

“Across the whole insurance supply chain we are making moves to reduce our environmental footprint,” he said. “We’ve built EcoSmash after hearing from smash repairs and talking to a range of environmental policy makers – we’ll continue to up date it as industry regulations change.”

With the assistance of NSW MTA and DECCW, NRMA has launched the initiative in NSW and plans to roll out the service nationally.

Smash repairers can log onto EcoSmash at www.EcoSmash.com.au.