First Up: July 2007

ENERGY SAVERS  The green store

by Douglas Greenhaus

Special program just for dealers can boost profitability.

Many dealers believe the only way to achieve real energy savings is through building a new roof, adding a new heating/air-conditioning system, or just rebuilding the dealership. But NADA’s partnership with EPA’s Energy Star has reaped some simple, low-priced, and effective ways for dealers to save both energy and money. Participating dealers receive:

• A host of special benefits. You automatically get access to Portfolio Manager (a password-protected online tool that measures and tracks your store’s energy and greenhouse gas emissions), plus guidance on energy-saving heating and cooling systems.

• Ready access to energy specialists. They can make sure you use the correct energy-efficient lighting both inside and outside.

• Savings spelled out. Energy Star takes the guesswork out of your decisions because the resources provided can show you when your payoffs will start. Some dealers forgo projects that don’t reap payoffs for years; this program will help you decide what’s best for your dealership.

• Low-tech solutions. They include collecting condensation from air-conditioning units to get free water for irrigation; using motion sensors to turn lights on and off; and recycling oil filters with used oil, instead of discarding them, often at no cost.

• Access to ideas. Dealers are able to learn strategies that have worked at other dealerships, not only through mounds of written info, but also through energy specialists who have worked with dealers.

Green scene: Using energy-saving equipment—and plants

ENERGY: SAVVY SAVINGS
• Monitor heating and cooling.
• Make your store airtight through weather-stripping and caulking.
• Keep the hot-water heater at 105 to 120 degrees F.
• Collect condensation from air-conditioning unit.
• Collect and burn waste oil.
• Use energy-efficient lighting, such as compact fluorescent bulbs; install voltage regulators.
• Add extra insulation.
• Set up electronic office equipment for sleep mode; consolidate printers; encourage e-mail for interoffice memos; look for the Energy Star symbol when buying equipment.
• Consider a reflective roof.
• Landscape with plants that use little water.
• Follow instructions on new energy-efficient systems to the letter.

Douglas Greenhaus is NADA environment, health, and safety director. He can be reached at dgreenhaus@nada.org.