Sustainability Initiatives
We're committed to making the world a better place
Crafting a more sustainable future for the automotive industry is no small task, but we're a dedicated team. When it comes to the environment, we're taking steps to shape a better tomorrow, together. At a Store level, we're leading the way by upholding one of the world’s most recognised environmental management standards. We achieve this by consistently implementing initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable future.
ILAM Toyota: leading the pack
Here at ILAM Toyota, we take our commitment to creating a better environment very seriously. So seriously, in fact, we are Enviro-Mark Diamond Certified. This is the highest tier achievable in this globally recognised certification, which exceeds the requirements of ISO 14001, and we try to raise the bar with each new initiative we take on.
Toitū is to care for the life of this place, our people, and our future. We are proud to be Toitū Enviromark Diamond Certified. Having an independently certified environmental management system means our commitment to the environment is backed by robust and verifiable operational activity.
Initiatives we’ve completed or are currently in progress:
- Replaced passenger loan vehicle fleet with hybrids from our Toyota passenger range.
- Switched our custom takeaway plastic water bottles to glass.
- Glasses and coffee cups available in lounges to reduce use of takeaway cups.
- Cardboard and paper collected by OJI who are part of a full circle recycling scheme.
- Hot water, chilled filtered water, and coffee machines provided for staff to encourage to avoid single-use drink purchases.
- Recycling scrap metal, soft plastics, tyres, oil, cardboard, cans, bottles, batteries, ewaste and toner cartridges.
- Annually hosting a community eco-project, such as a beach cleanup.
- Donating annually to Trees For Canterbury.
- Working to halve our total water consumption on site.
- Annually reviewing our chemicals and substances to find safer, more eco-responsible alternatives.
- Conducting monthly internal site audits and review our environmental impacts and performance.
- Emergency spill control program in place to protect the environment and training carried out for all staff.
- Work Ride scheme participants, New Zealand’s ride-to-work benefit scheme designed to get more people riding and living healthier lives.
We went solar
In line with our long-term sustainability goals, in 2024 we installed an impressive 134 solar panels across the dealership. This 55kW system, equipped with both production and consumption monitoring, will help power all aspects of our business, including vehicle sales, parts, service, and administration.
A cleaner coast
Every year, we head to the beach (in Toyotas, of course) to clean up our local coast and surrounding areas. After a hearty breakfast, the crew head off with bags in hand to spend the next few hours picking up rubbish in the area.
It’s a great opportunity for us to not only clean up the local beach but also protect the marine and wildlife who call it their home.
Plugging into the future: new EV charging stations
We're excited to announce that we're rolling out a whole bunch of new EV charging stations for both our dealership and our amazing customers. Our friends at Aotea Electrical are on the job, and we've already got the chargers ready to go. Keep an eye out for these upgrades when you’re next visiting.
Our environmental policy:
We are committed to protecting the environment, the safety of our employees and the health of the communities where we conduct our business.
- We sell vehicles designed using 'life cycle analysis' which minimises their environmental impacts during production, use on the road and eventual disposal;
- We are independently audited to the Diamond level of Toitū Enviromark to ensure high standards of environmental performance and a safe work place;
- We conduct our business in compliance with all relevant local, regional and national regulations and industry codes;
- We have identified our environmental risks and impacts and apply continuous improvement to reduce them in our operations and value chain, including:
- the efficient use of energy, resources and water;
- preventing pollution and reducing waste;
- the safe removal, storage, handling, recycling and disposal of hazardous materials; and
- procedures to avoid and correct accidents or spillages;
- We have appointed D Smithson as our 'Environmental Champion' to regularly review and continually improve our operations and environmental performance;
- We aim to raise the environmental understanding and actions of our employees with appropriate information, training and support.
ROSE initiative: Recovery of Oil Saves the Environment
At ILAM Toyota, sustainability is a key focus. For the past 16 years, we have partnered with Fulton Hogan in a groundbreaking initiative known as ROSE—Recovery of Oil Saves the Environment. This long-standing partnership ensures that the waste oil generated at our dealership is responsibly recycled and repurposed, significantly reducing environmental impact.
The ROSE Product Stewardship Scheme has been recognised for its contribution to sustainability. In 2018, it was accredited by the Associate Minister for the Environment, Hon Eugenie Sage, under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. This accreditation underscores our commitment to the environment and reflects the importance of responsible waste management in preserving our planet for our tamariki.
We are dedicated to continuing this initiative, as it aligns with our broader goals of reducing our carbon footprint and promoting a better future for all.
Toyota fuel-saving tips
Our busy lives mean we spend a lot of time travelling around in our cars. All this driving can cost a lot of money in fuel, as well as generating unnecessary air pollution. But there are some simple ways in which we can reduce these.
Toyota Environment Challenge 2050
The Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 (Challenge 2050) is a set of six visionary, global challenges that seek to go beyond eliminating negative environmental impacts to creating positive value for the planet and society. Toyota Motor Corporation announced these six challenges in 2015 after extensive research and internal and external consultation.
Three of the six challenges focus on CO2:
- Reduce vehicle CO2 emissions by 90% with low or Zero CO2 emissions (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles) and encourage their adoption.
- Eliminate CO2 emissions in all stages of a car’s life cycle (resource extraction, parts/vehicle manufacturing, fuel production and consumption, driving, disposal and recycling)
- Cut CO2 emissions to zero at manufacturing plants by developing low CO2 technologies, prompting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy and hydrogen.
Two challenges deal with resources:
- Minimise the consumption of water used and ensure high water quality is discharged back into the environment by focusing on efficiency, reuse, and purification.
- Use resources efficiently to create a recycling-based society with eco-friendly materials, longer-lasting parts, an expansion of recycling technology, and the manufacture of new vehicles from end-of-life vehicles.
The last challenge provides broader value to society:
- Collaborate with other businesses, government and non-government organisations, and local communities to conserve natural systems, plant trees and promote environmental education and awareness.
Want to join us in creating a better future or have suggestions on more ways we can improve? Drop us a line and let us know your thoughts.