Team Honda, Toyota and Nissan Open First Carbon Neutral Dealerships in Georgia
Posted by: Auto Buff / Category: Car News, Hybrids, Nissan, Toyota
AutoNation stores in Lithia Springs offset their Carbon Footprint. Team Honda, Team Toyota and Team Nissan of Lithia Springs, Georgia, already had an extensive recycling program in place for their used tires and oil when they decided to take the next step and offset their carbon footprint, becoming the first carbon neutral dealerships in Georgia.
“We found out that energy use was 90 percent of our carbon footprint” said the Controller of Team Honda, Toyota and Nissan, Clarence Ratcliffe. “It’s our job to make sure our dealerships run efficiently. Saving energy and natural resources have the benefit of helping the environment. Our customers were so impressed with our waiting room recycling unit that they’ve asked us where they can buy one too. We also reduced waste by giving each employee DCI Thermal Porcelain Cups, which eliminated the need for Styrofoam.”
All AutoNation dealerships, Team’s parent company, make it easy for car buyers to shop for more fuel-efficient vehicles with its E-Vehicle program. The program identifies cars and trucks that produce at least 28 miles per gallon or deliver 10 percent better fuel efficiency than average for their class. AutoNation also singles out what they call “F-vehicles” with a yellow leaf logo; these are cars and trucks that use flex-fuel technology.
“The three dealerships are taking responsibility for their carbon emissions,” said Verus Carbon Neutral’s Eric Taub, whose company measured the footprint and provided the offsets. “Seems especially appropriate when you offer hybrids that get anywhere from 35 to over 50 miles per gallon,” adds Taub. “Bottom line, they are trying to lower their electricity use but are still dependent on the grid. Until the local utilities employ more renewable energy, 50 mpg cars and offset projects help to reduce emissions.”
Team Honda, Toyota and Nissan decided to use a Georgia forestry project, managed by Valley Wood Timber, to offset their carbon footprint. The project is actively managed to sequester CO2 in a sustainable manner that protects over 60,000 acres of forest habitat. Proceeds support the Humane Society. Additionally, Team Lithia Springs also promotes Georgia Beautification license plate tags.
Press
