A long-term reduction in an individual dealership’s carbon footprint?
Ford Motor Company announced a “Go Green” dealership sustainability program with its U.S. Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers at the 2010 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention.
The goal of the program is to help dealers implement cost-effective ways to improve the energy-efficiency of their facilities, resulting, Ford hopes, in a long-term reduction in an individual dealership’s carbon footprint, as well as overall operating costs.
Dealers will be able to take advantage of several benefits, including help on available State and Federal tax credits and incentives, as well as access to technical expertise and resources to assist with selection of energy-efficient products and equipment.
Ford is finalizing details of a pilot program with three dealers located in Florida, New York and Nevada, but was unable to provide any more information as to what was being proposed, how tax credits come in play, and what energy savings actually are targeted.
Ford Motor currently has 3,553 Ford and Lincoln Mercury brand dealers; and programs like this could make a difference. Jarrett Gordon Ford in Winter Haven, Florida is furthest along in starting the pilot.
“This allows all dealers the opportunity to participate in improving the energy efficiency of their facility and gives them flexibility in making choices that are right for them and their dealership,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.
Dealers will first receive an energy assessment from “sustainability” experts at Ford. After that, Ford and the dealer will collaborate on energy-saving options available and will tailor a program for the dealer for existing facilities or the construction of new facilities.
“This initiative will have a positive impact participating dealers decrease their consumption of energy. Implementing these cost-effective solutions will also improve dealer’s bottom line over the long-term,” said Amory B. Lovins, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Scientist, Rocky Mountain Institute.