Automotive companies really feel unable to be extra environmentally accountable because of the excessive prices related to complying with rules, in addition to the elevated strain it places on their assets.
New analysis has discovered that whereas 9 out of 10 (87%) companies within the automotive sector see air pollution prevention as a precedence, three quarters (73%) assume retaining on high of environmental rules places extra strain on their enterprise, and an extra 72% say it’s costly to stay compliant.
Virtually half (48%) mentioned they battle to know how one can stay compliant with environmental rules, and 65% say they really feel environmental regulation isn’t talked about sufficient within the trade.
The findings come from drainage companies supplier Metro Rod, which performed analysis with a cross part of individuals working at administration stage in England’s automotive sector, to find out how knowledgeable the trade is of the position it performs in defending the surroundings.
When requested what the principle obstacles have been in attempting to realize compliance with environmental rules, greater than half (58%) cited the price of placing proactive measures in place; greater than two fifths (42%) mentioned an absence of communication from water authorities or the Setting Company as to what’s required of them means they’re uncertain of their obligations; and greater than a 3rd (37%) referred to the period of time and useful resource it requires to place compliant measures in place.
Extra challenges included an absence of willingness from senior members of the enterprise to prioritise compliance (35%), whereas simply over 1 / 4 (26%) mentioned their enterprise would profit from the help of a specialist drainage supplier.
The analysis additionally discovered many are unaware of the implications they may face ought to they ever breach environmental rules.
Whereas greater than a 3rd of respondents (37%) mentioned they’ve acquired penalties associated to non-compliance with environmental rules, just one in ten (12%) knew that the utmost penalty for non-compliance with environmental laws is a vast tremendous, that the occasion is classed as a prison workplace, and that the enterprise proprietor might face a jail sentence.
Metro Rod has shared the findings in its report Air pollution Prevention & Compliance: How We Can Assist Your Enterprise Cut back Its Environmental Impression and says the information highlights the necessity for the automotive trade to make vital enhancements to minimise its environmental impression.
Christopher Nelson, senior technical help supervisor at Metro Rod, mentioned: ‘On the subject of the automotive trade, there’s regulation across the disposal of end-of-life automobiles, and round emissions from automobiles on the highway.
‘Nevertheless, there isn’t a focused recommendation in relation to discharging commerce effluent and wastewater into the sewer community, regardless of this being a by-product of the on a regular basis operations of fleets, dealerships and extra.
‘As such, companies on this sector should take duty of their environmental footprint themselves, creating processes primarily based on little or no structured steerage.
‘As a part of the analysis we discovered that there’s a widespread lack of expertise as to the completely different strategies and strategies which may be put in place to minimise air pollution incidents, and with out additional schooling about these steps, and uptake from all the companies who would profit from them, the trade is susceptible to harming the surroundings considerably.
‘In our new report, we provide greatest practices on how automotive companies can develop into extra environmentally accountable, arming them with the data they should enhance their processes and keep away from punishment from the Setting Company, but in addition contribute to creating the trade extra sustainable and environmentally pleasant for years to return.’
Metro Rod’s report Air pollution Prevention & Compliance: How We Can Assist Your Enterprise Cut back Its Environmental Impression, covers:
Sensible methods to enhance operations whereas minimising environmental impression.
Key steps to drive long-term sustainability within the automotive sector.
A ready-to-use air pollution prevention motion plan for automotive companies.
The report may be downloaded right here.