Leading Cat® dealer WesTrac is pleased to provide an update on its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and its ongoing commitment to becoming a more sustainable equipment provider.
Leading Cat® dealer WesTrac is pleased to provide an update on its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and its ongoing commitment to becoming a more sustainable equipment provider.
As part of the Company’s long-term goal of minimising the impact of its business activities on the environment, WesTrac has developed a number of new initiatives and processes.
SUSTAINABILITY BADGE IMPLEMENTED
WesTrac’s new Sustainability Badge helps customers easily identify the Company’s more sustainable machinery, equipment and technology offerings. This includes the range of Cat XE models which offer a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, compared to earlier models.
The green badge represents nature, growth and renewal, and enforces WesTrac’s commitment to Building Better Together – the Company’s revised sustainability theme.
There has been a rise in demand for these more sustainable options due to their encouraging performance and emissions outcomes.
IMPROVED RECYCLING PROCESSES
Similarly, following a comprehensive review process, WesTrac has identified improved recycling processes including a more efficient way to recycle plastics, cardboard, and wood within the facility. This includes the rollout of new waste compaction technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce collection intervals, with positive results already achieved.
Most recently at the Guildford warehouse in Western Australia, the introduction of cardboard and plastic balers, a wood crusher and continuous bag stands have resulted in significantly higher amounts of material being recycled. The plastic bag stands have reduced waste bag usage by 60% and approximately 1.5 tonnes of plastic is now being recycled per month.
In addition, WesTrac is working with its suppliers to reduce plastics in wrappings and is also rolling out circular economy initiatives such as repurposing retired IT equipment and a return and recycle program for used duo seal rings.
SETTING BOLD TARGETS
These initiatives play a vital role in minimising WesTrac’s environmental impact, as outlined in the Company’s Sustainability Plan – Toward 2030, released last year.
Featuring enhanced ESG outcomes, the Plan identifies 10 material issues and includes tailored roadmaps for each, to help tighten WesTrac’s focus on achieving its targets.
Among these is a goal of achieving net zero scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and an interim target of 30% reduction by 2026. Substantial technological advances – including fast-tracking development of automation and electrification solutions – are making meaningful contributions to this goal.
On the diversity front, WesTrac is aspiring to achieve 25% female participation across the business by 2025, with a future focus of having a 50:50 gender split for apprenticeship program enrolments.
The national participation rate is currently 20% and the Company has embraced a number of initiatives to further support the 25% target, including a female mentorship program incorporating clear career development opportunities. Earlier this year, WesTrac saw the largest intake of female apprentices enter the business, a rate of 35% in WA and 25% in NSW, which is an encouraging step towards the target.
BUILDING BETTER TOGETHER TAKES ROOT
Concurrently, WesTrac is committed to helping customers achieve their own ESG objectives and reduce emissions through product advancements and solutions.
Building Better Together, which is guided by six principals – Responsibility, Advancement, Community, Inclusivity, Development, Solutions – has been established to communicate these goals more succinctly to customers, stakeholders and the wider community.