At Autosmart Auckland, we are committed to protecting the environment and minimising the impact of our operations. As part of our environmental responsibility, all employees are expected to exercise care in their daily activities to prevent harm to the environment.

This policy outlines our approach to managing environmental risks, particularly in the handling and storage of chemicals, and our commitment to sustainable practices.

Our Environmental Objectives
Our goal is to prevent any negative impact on the environment, particularly through the proper handling and management of chemical substances. This Environmental Protection Policy is designed to ensure that we prevent, manage, and minimise such risks in a responsible and timely manner.

Key Environmental Practices:

1. Spill Prevention and Containment
   The primary environmental risk we face is from chemical spills. To minimise this risk:
   – Chemicals are stored in appropriately bunded areas to contain any potential spills.
   – Spill kits, containing absorbent materials like sand and oil absorbent, are stationed at key locations across the site. These kits are to be used immediately in the event of any spill.
   
2. Immediate Spill Response
   In the event of a spill, employees are required to take the following steps:
   – Stop the source of the spill, if safe to do so.
   – Protect yourself and others from exposure to harmful materials.
   – Contain the spill to prevent it from spreading and entering drains, waterways, or the ecosystem.
   – Clean up the spill immediately using the appropriate materials and refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for guidance on specific handling.
   – Report the spill to management as soon as possible, so any necessary follow-up actions or external notifications can be made.
3. Compliance with Environmental Regulations
   Autosmart Auckland adheres to all local environmental regulations and laws. This includes:
   – Reporting any significant environmental incidents, such as large chemical spills, to local authorities including the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
   – Conducting regular inspections of our facilities to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
   – Ensuring that any chemical spills are contained within our bunded areas and that no waste or litter is swept into gutters or stormwater drains.
4. Waste Management and Disposal
   Autosmart Auckland is committed to managing waste responsibly by:
   – Segregating and recycling materials where possible.
   – Ensuring safe and responsible disposal of all chemical waste and absorbent materials used during spill clean-ups.
   – Contracting licensed waste disposal services to handle any hazardous materials and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
5. Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint
   We strive to reduce our carbon footprint by:
   – Utilising renewable energy sources wherever possible.
   – Continuously improving our operational efficiency to reduce waste and emissions.
   – Reviewing our energy consumption annually to identify opportunities for further reduction.
6. Employee Training and Environmental Awareness
   All employees are trained in our environmental protection procedures and are made aware of their individual responsibilities. Training includes:
   – Proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
   – Spill response protocols and the use of spill kits.
   – General awareness of environmental risks and the steps we can take as a company to mitigate these risks.
7. Regular Inspections and Maintenance
   To ensure ongoing compliance with our environmental policy, AutoSmart Auckland conducts:
   – Regular inspections of our warehouse and surrounding areas to identify and correct any potential hazards.
   – Maintenance checks on bunded areas, spill kits, to ensure all equipment is in working order and ready for use in an emergency.
8. Engagement with the Community
   We are committed to being transparent about our environmental efforts and will engage with the community to address any concerns. We welcome feedback and will work with local authorities, and customers, to continuously improve our environmental practices.

Emergency Procedures and Reporting
In the event of a significant environmental incident, AutoSmart Auckland will:

• Immediately inform the relevant local authorities, including the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority, if a spill or pollution event poses a risk to the environment.
  
• Take all necessary steps to contain and mitigate the damage caused by the incident.
  
• Review the incident to prevent future occurrences and improve our spill response procedures.