Wales’ largest group of vehicle repair centres is supporting JUST ONE Tree, the non-profit initiative campaigning to remove CO2 from the atmosphere through global reforestation. It has committed to making a donation for every birth and birthday amongst its circa 130-strong workforce as well as for any five-star reviews received from customers at its sites in Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr, Newport, Pontypridd and Hereford.

Donations from iRG will be directed into ecosystem restoration projects on land and oceans around the world to maximise the effect on reducing global warming. JUST ONE Tree has overseen the planting of over five million trees and the restoration of more than 2,600 acres equating to the removal of 1.6 million tonnes of CO2.

The non-profit organisation also helps to provide agricultural education and sustainable incomes to local communities in 16 countries. What’s more, it is also targeting the next generation of planet-conscious thinkers by bringing environmental education into the classroom with their free teaching resources and JUST ONE Tree Day, which takes place on 17^th October when 240,000 children from schools worldwide will take part in a non-uniform day for the environment.

Around 1,250 schools and companies in the UK have pledged to support JUST ONE Tree which was founded by CEO Amanda Bronkhorst six years ago.

“This is the moment to be bold, to be brave - our planet’s future is in our hands,” urged Amanda. “iRG has stepped up, joining forces with us to show that action speaks louder than words. When we stand together, we have the power to transform the world - and every business, every individual who joins this movement makes our impact on people and planet unstoppable.”

In January this year, iRG achieved carbon neutrality status in accordance with PAS 2060. After a 15-year lifespan, this internationally-recognised standard is being withdrawn later this year when the group will transition to the new Accident Repair Industry Environmental Standard (ARIES) which has been developed by an industry working group specifically for the repair sector and was launched earlier this summer.

Amongst the measures introduced by iRG to reduce its carbon footprint is investment in ‘greener’ equipment within its bodyshops including electric spraybooths and variable-speed compressors to reduce energy consumption and compactors to better manage and recycle cardboard waste. Across the group, energy-saving LED lighting has been installed in workshops and offices with sensors fitted in non-busy areas to turn off lighting automatically when not in use.

A number of digital stationery items have been introduced to replace printed material, and the group has also began using reusable filler cards and boards for mixing and application and spraygun paint pots instead of single use alternatives to reduce plastic and paper waste.

“At iRG, we take our corporate social responsibility seriously and are committed long-term to reducing our impact on the environment,” said Lee Wallbank, Managing Director, iRG. “We are constantly looking at ways that we can make our operations greener and there will be no let-up in our sustainability drive which will continue to be a priority for our business going forward.

“JUST ONE Tree’s efforts to restore the planet’s eco-system is a vital cause. We’re delighted to join with them and hope our customers will support our partnership by leaving a five-star review if they feel able to via the usual channels.”