Since installing solar in 2023, Devonshire Motors has achieved a significant reduction in energy consumption, from over 113,000 kWh in 2018 to just 54,913 kWh in 2024, a reduction of approximately 52%. This reflects a sustained commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact across the business.
ARIES was a natural progression to strengthen environmental sustainability to Award Winning Devonshire Motors who have consistently shown their long-standing dedication to being green. They were quick to progress to Level 4, an achievement that reflects a fully embedded, independently verified approach to carbon reduction, with measurable results being delivered across the business. Recently celebrating an ABP excellence award for their commitment to reducing their impact on the environment, they continue to be at the forefront of innovation.
Managing Director Graeme Bennett has always had environmentally friendly mindset, tracing it back to the Kiki Kiwi 'Reuse, Reduce, Recycle' campaign from his childhood in New Zealand, which became embedded in his values and throughout his career.
Graeme has brought his team with him on this journey, having introduced an environmental policy over 20 years ago to minimise waste and reduce energy use. Today, that commitment is embedded across the business. Staff understand not just what they are doing, but why it matters, resulting in strong engagement, long-term retention and a culture where sustainability is fully supported at every level.
Having already implemented a range of carbon reduction initiatives including solar panels and sensor-controlled LED lighting, ARIES has helped Devonshire Motors take their approach further by improving waste management and recycling processes.
Historically, between 2018 and 2020, cardboard waste was not always effectively separated, with some material ending up in general waste. Since then, targeted improvements have made a significant difference. General waste volumes have been halved following the introduction of a compactor, while the addition of a baler has improved cardboard recycling rates. Further progress is expected with the recent introduction of a dedicated cardboard skip, which will continue to drive reductions in waste.
How would you describe ARIES to another repairer considering joining?
For those not yet on the journey, ARIES is straightforward to get started with, there's no heavy lifting as all the information and guidance is there. It's just about putting the information in and having a plan moving forward. Along the way you'll reduce costs, become more efficient and ultimately be doing the right thing for the environment.
What advice would you give when implementing sustainability initiatives?
Break it down into bitesize projects and track the investment. You'll be surprised at how much and how quickly you begin to see efficiencies in costs and carbon reduction, even for the simplest of changes. Solar and booth investment have been the biggest savers, but if you're just starting out start simple and build year on year and use the resources and experts available to help you.
Devonshire Motors shows that when sustainability is already embedded, the right framework can take it further. With ARIES providing structure and direction, the business has strengthened efficiency, reduced energy consumption and continues to build on decades of environmental commitment with clear, measurable results.
"ARIES gives you a clear structure for where to focus your efforts. It's not just about reducing energy and costs, it's about raising standards and improving quality across the industry, while doing the right thing for the environment."
Graeme Bennett, Managing Director, Devonshire Motors