Sydney repairer Darren Wales has won the DuPont/Paint and Panel 2012 Sustainability Award. There were many excellent entries this year but Wales Truck Repair in Smithfield was the stand out winner.
Wales doesn't just 'talk the talk' when it comes to commitment to sustainable business practices, he puts his money where his mouth is. As well as investing in an off peak compressor, water catchment tanks and recycling equipment and a raft of recycling and energy saving initiatives, the business also buys carbon credits to offset emissions.
The 'green' approach to business has paid off for Wales too, both in contracts won from companies that want to do business with other environmentally aware companies and in low energy bulls and tax breaks
Owen Streatfeild, marketing strategy development manager of DuPont Performance Services presented the award to Wales at his busy Smithfield premises on Wednesday 7 November.
“We sponsor this award for a number of reasons, but basically we want to reward forward-thinking bodyshop owners for their contribution to the future of the industry," said Streatfeild.
“We want the industry to see that there are many different ways to improve business and that with a little thought they can reduce their carbon footprint and continually become a little kinder to the environment.”
Wales was delighted with the award: “We value any sort of award, but this one is special as we take such pride in our efforts to be environmentally responsible.” he said.
Paint and Panel November/December issue will carry a feature on Wales Truck Repairs' sustainable business practices.