Parkes Automotive

Parkes Automotive, formerly known as Pioneer Motors, opened in 1957.  In 1977 Andrew’s parents purchased the business and in 2006 Andrew and his partner Anita took over from them. 

Andrew and Anita are committed to running a business that sustains them financially whilst enabling them to raise a family, provide good old-fashioned service and preserve the environment for future generations.

The couple’s long term objective is to become carbon neutral and operate with zero waste going to landfill.  These goals provide constant motivation to critically review their practices.

The challenge

The automotive industry has traditionally been a ‘dirty’ one in terms of pollution.  Minimising those impacts is a central business focus along with a strong desire to contribute to their community and grow a true ‘family’ business.

Some responses

A list of sustainability initiatives is available on the Parkes Automotive website, with some highlights listed below:  

• Use the sun’s natural light and heat by replacing a wall with a ranch slider and adding skylights to the workshop during renovations.
• Replaced an old tow truck with a smaller vehicle and use a scooter rather than a car to collect local supplies
• Old printer cartridges and toners are sent to be recycled with any financial return being donated to Ronald McDonald house.
• Paper reduced by emailing invoices and WOF reminders.
• Customers are encouraged to receive and pay accounts via e-mail by going into a monthly draw to win a $100 voucher.
• Scrap metal and old batteries are sold to scrap merchants who recycle metals and dispose of the waste correctly.
• Tyre waste to landfill reduced by offering customers a discount if they take them home to use in their gardens (worm farm plans are supplied if they want them).   Tyres are also offered to farmers who use them to protect trees.
• Food scraps are taken home in biodegradable cornstarch bags and added to the compost or worm farm. The worm farm juice is given to staff and customers to use in their gardens.
• Installed a parts cleaning station that filters and recycles the chemicals and oils which go to a refinery.
• Working with the Enviroschools programme to donate trees in order to offset carbon emissions
• Working with other local garages on industry environmental improvements.
• Customers are made aware of second hand part options where appropriate.
• Replaced the toilet cistern and the water pump is turned off at night to reduce wastage.
• Supporting local schools – have donated more than $2000 to local schools during the last year.

The results

• 20% decrease in electricty bill.
• 80% decrease in waste to landfill.
• 50% decrease in their fuel bill.
• 50% decrease in paper purchases.
• Demonstrable improvement in customer loyalty.
• Demonstrable improvement in staff satisfaction and retention.

Bay of Plenty Regional Award judges' comments

• Parkes Automotive are making an effort in a sector that is not usually considered environmentally friendly.
• Huge commitment from a very family oriented business.
• Their potential to cause harm as a business is much greater than many others, but they are minimising this with a wide variety of actions.
• Good level of innovation from staff and owners to achieve their goals.