Carbon Conscious Collision Repairs
In a traditional industry often resistant to tackling sustainability issues, one local automotive company is embracing the movement of caring for the planet, proving progress is better than perfection.
Rosiez Collision Repairs believes a bite sized approach to making sustainable changes is the way to go. Specialising in insurance and collision repairs and with three branches across Christchurch, the business offers not only a high standard of care for customers but also for the planet.
From larger steps like converting vehicles to electric and working with environmentally conscious manufacturers, to smaller steps like recycling soft plastics, Rosiez Collision Repairs is leading from the front in their corner of the automotive industry.
Managing Director Brendon Rosie says with such a large consumer focus on sustainability at the moment, he started looking at their processes and how they could lessen their impact on the environment.
“We’ve been trying to focus on where we can be more sustainable in our processes, the biggest focus is trying to reduce our carbon. Because we have a fleet of 50 cars across the group, a significant change has been moving these to hybrid electric vehicles.”
Brendon Rosie - Managing DirectorWe’ve been trying to focus on where we can be more sustainable in our processes, the biggest focus is trying to reduce our carbon. Because we have a fleet of 50 cars across the group, a significant change has been moving these to hybrid electric vehicles.”
This change alone is massively reducing their carbon footprint - because of the high levels of renewable energy in New Zealand, electric vehicles produce 80% fewer emissions than petrol or diesel cars.
While the environmental payoff is encouraging, it hasn’t come without its challenges and Brendon is no stranger to the scepticism around electric vehicles.
Globally the uptake for them has been slow, although Brendon has found this to be an unexpected opportunity. Getting people into a loan electric vehicle gives them a chance to get a feel for something other than petrol or diesel cars. And overwhelmingly, he’s hearing positive feedback from their electric experiences. As well as that, he’s noticed customers appreciate their efforts towards lessening harmful impact on the planet.
Like many things, Brendon notes that first step of a sustainability journey is sometimes the hardest. In his experience, now that sustainability is a focus for the business it doesn’t feel so daunting.
“There's a lot of information out there and it doesn't take a huge amount of time or effort to make a change,” he says.
Brendon Rosie - Managing DirectorThere's a lot of information out there and it doesn't take a huge amount of time or effort to make a change,”
His philosophy is that it’s better to start now than waiting to be perfect. Making one small change gets the ball rolling and shows you it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Small changes lead to more small changes, and eventually you’ve made a big impact.
He would encourage other business owners to start with the easy stuff. “Take a look at what you’re doing and see where small changes can be made. Even if it seems insignificant, it will help in some way.”
“Be prepared just to start the journey. Anything that comes off the back of focusing on sustainability is great, but you have to just start. It’s like that quote, ‘How do you eat an elephant? You start with one bite’.”
