December/January 2022

A handy definition of a sustainable business describes this as “an enterprise that has minimal negative impact or potentially a positive effect on the global or local environment, community, society, or economy.” It is tempting to think that a sustainability policy is the preserve of big businesses, not least because of the perceived time it takes to produce one that really matters, as opposed to being a box-ticking exercise. The last thing you want to do after a busy day in the workshop is sit down and fathom how you can be a sustainable business. That said, it is now the job of each one of us, from one- person enterprises to big brands, to look at how we operate and to take steps to minimise our impact on the environment. As can be seen from the growing media coverage on the subject, it is no longer enough to pay lip service to sustainability. You have to demonstrate you are a business that embraces sustainability at every level. Action So, the $64,000-dollar question; How can you do this without it costing you the earth? Here are 11 things you can do without breaking into a sweat: 1. Recycle as much waste material as possible and not just the obvious cardboard. What are you currently doing with the packaging that parts come in that could be recycled if you gave it serious thought and investigation? 40 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net Mike looks at why investing in specialist DPF training could help make your business more profitable and environmentally responsible SUSTAINABILITY, SPECIALIST TRAINING AND DPF S Establish your recycling policy so it’s set in stone 2. Ask staff to take home and recycle their food packaging. How about a ban on single use plastic drinks’ bottles? Talk to your team so they are on board with these measures and can see the part they have to play 3. Avoid the use of paper wherever possible. For example, sending invoices and quotes online 4. Recycle equipment that is no longer of use. For example, giving away items such as computers and printers that you no longer use but they are more than good enough for a grateful recipient BY Mike Schlup, Managing Director of Kalimex