Creating an Energy-Efficient Dealership
One way to learn about potential energy efficiency improvements is from industry peers. Such success stories can reveal details of the work, time, and investment involved and the improvements achieved.
Evidence of the potential for dealership energy efficiency improvements is a Virginia
Acura, Lexus and Chevrolet dealership, visited in conjunction with the development of an
NADA guide referenced below. The sprawling automobile campus has three dealerships and a number of service buildings adding up to a quarter million square feet of space, not including an off-site collision repair center.
The successes achieved at this facility were made possible due to the efforts of the dealership group’s facility manager, with the support of the dealer-owners. Many energy efficiency improvement opportunities have been taken advantage of, within the constraints of the franchisors’ design specifications. Various dealership personnel are involved in the improvements, as are several outside product and service providers, including lighting professionals. Some of the improvements include:
« Building ShellãA master switch that shuts down the entire facility at closing, except for select security lighting.
« Showrooms-Metal halide lamps in areas with high ceilings
« Parts/Service AreasãSuspended and looped compressed air-distribution systems
« Vehicle Washing/Detailing Areas-Greater than 50 percent water reclamation
« Dealership Lot/Building Exteriors-Exterior lighting incorporating photocells
to reduce day burning
« Body ShopãT5HO lighting for the bodywork examination area.
To achieve similar results, consider contacting appropriate professionals to review or
energy audit your facilities for potential energy savings.
Many opportunities exist for cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades at dealership facilities. In addition, even more fruitful opportunities exist for dealerships involved in new construction or major facility renovations. These opportunities will only become more numerous and attractive in the future as energy costs increase, and new technologies and strategies become available.
For more information, refer to A Dealer Guide to Energy Star Putting Energy into Profits (BM31). This can be ordered online at www.nada.org/mecatalog or by calling NADA at 800-252-NADA, ext 2. Contact the ENERGY STAR Small Business Network at 1-888-STAR-YES or http://www.eTiergystar.gov/smalIbiz.
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