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earing in mind the fragile ecological state of the earth and the dramatic effects of global warming Avis car rental has dramatically reduced its carbon footprint by recycling the water it uses to wash its cars, using low-voltage lighting and more at this KwaZulu-Natal regional depot.
According to CEO Wayne Duvenage, a 150 000-litre water storage reservoir has been installed at the vehicle preparation centre to capture rainwater run-off from all the company’s buildings. “This water is used to off-set any municipal water requirements in the final “clean water rinse arch” making this facility “water neutral” in the rain reason. We expect to save around 16-million litres of water per annum at our King Shaka facility.”
The car rental company’s new 26 000m2 vehicle preparation facility at the airport is also aimed at improving workflow and efficiencies. It boasts two fully automated carwash installations (which washes one vehicle in 45 seconds), a large vehicle service workshop and new regional office.
In addition, Avis has put several other measures into place to minimise electricity usage. Some of these include efficient lighting; motion sensor devices to ensure that light fittings only switch on when required; heat pumps to replace conventional hot water geysers; hydro boil geysers in all kitchens; energy efficient VAV air-conditioning equipment; and metered taps and flush masters in all toilets and ablutions.
Friendly to the earth and friendly to people
Located in prime position at King Shaka International Airport, Avis’ conveniently located kiosk is equipped with high performance facilities, which are aimed at increasing efficiencies and reducing the time customers’ spend in queues.
Working with the premise that “people are more important than cars”, the kiosk was purpose-built to provide customers with world-class service. “The customer service kiosk has 17 dedicated customer service points (20% more than the number of terminals at the previous airport) to handle all services from Domestic, International, Preferred and Express Rentals, to dedicated Paraplegic and Luxury Cars offerings,” says Duvenage. “We are proud of our new rental kiosk and vehicle preparation centre at King Shaka and look forward to improving on our customer satisfaction index from this world-class airport environment.” |
