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Staff from the Alan Gibson Volvo dealership, in Basingstoke, with their new green carwash

THE staff at Basingstoke Volvo dealership Alan Gibson Ltd have been trying to become as "green" as possible with the increasing awareness of climate change and the need to conserve energy and reduce pollution.

The company has recently changed its rubbish disposal company to one that recycles all paper, cardboard, wood and metal, with all such materials taken to a recycling plant for sorting.

The new contractor, Basingstoke Skip Hire, recycles around 50 per cent of all waste collected.

Alan Gibson Ltd has also set up a new contract with a company called Pure Clean. The company reclaims and recycles many disposable items used in a car's regular service.

For example, waste oil is recovered and reprocessed back into base oils for reuse.

Other items that are recycled include anti-freeze, brake fluid, petrol and diesel, oil filters, batteries, tyres, solvents, paint and thinners.

Marketing manager Kate Norris said: "You can imagine what a huge difference this makes to our green credentials'.

"Alan Gibson Ltd also feels there is an ethical side to creating an environmentally-friendly workplace.

"We offer prizes for the best ideas that staff come up with to save energy or reduce pollution. One member of staff suggested that we stop using polystyrene.

"It is also now mandatory at Alan Gibson to turn off computers, as well as the screens, when you are not at your workstation."

The dealership's valeting department is now using mainly water-based chemicals for all its cleaning, as well as turning the jet wash temperature down to 30 degrees to save fuel and energy.

And the company is trying to come up with even more innovative ideas for saving energy.

Managing director Alan Gibson said: "As a motor dealership, we are probably seen as the baddies when it comes to the natural environment. Therefore, trying to save fuel and energy as much as possible is a new company objective and something we will keep striving to do."

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