Reducing emissions and waste
In 2008, WWL Vehicle Services Americas (VSA) reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 174 metric tonnes by cutting fuel consumption by 18%. Whilst emissions volumes went down, the number of cars processed went up.CO2 emissions cut by 174 metric tonnes
To achieve this feat, vehicle-processing centres employed several tactics, including improving equipment and vehicle maintenance practices, optimising routes driven within the facilities and replacing older yard units with more fuel-efficient new ones.Another environmental innovation for 2008: switching from a solvent to a waterborne paint system for refinishing vehicles at its 14 technical service sites in North America. This helps improve air quality by significantly reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions.
Major strides were also made in the areas of waste reduction and recycling. WWL Vehicle Services Americas achieved a 27.5% reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfills.
WWL Vehicle Services Canada Ltd., for instance, eliminated approximately 15 tonnes of carbon emissions through its broad recycling programme. The programme covers everything from waste paint and solvents, engine oil and oil filters, anti-freeze, brake and hydraulic fluid and aerosol cans to automotive-grade plastics, tires and batteries. The Vancouver facility alone reduced waste by 51%.