Honda ‘Green Dealer’ Program Leads Industry Toward More Environmentally Responsible Dealership Operations
With over 10 years of experience leading Honda and Acura dealers toward more environmentally responsible operations, Honda will share its learnings from the Honda and Acura Environmental Leadership Programs at the upcoming National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show 2022 in Las Vegas.
The Honda and Acura Environmental Leadership Programs – often referred to as the Honda "Green Dealer " Program – have helped more than 600 Honda and Acura automobile, powersports and power equipment dealers across the U.S. collectively reduce CO2 emissions by more than 177,000 metric tons. That reduction is is equal to eliminating the annual CO2 emissions associated with electricity use by over 21,000 homes.
Honda kicked off the Green Dealer Program in 2011 to demonstrate a comprehensive approach to environmentally responsible operations that extends beyond its fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-efficient manufacturing operations. Now, the program contributes to Honda's goal to achieve carbon neutrality globally for its products and operations by 2050.
On March 11 at the NADA Show 2022, Honda will present its Green Dealer Program learnings during the panel "The Future Dealership is Green. " With the average auto dealership expected to spend 15%-20% or more on utility costs by 2030 and utility companies transitioning their pricing plans to focus on peak demand and time-of-use, Honda encourages dealers to integrate energy-efficient measures.
"Over the last decade Honda has gained incredible insights from helping our automobile, powersports and power equipment dealerships of all sizes overcome various challenges to reduce their energy and water consumption, and we want to share this experience with all dealers, " said Annika Swenson, sustainability analyst at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and manager of the Honda and Acura Environmental Leadership Programs. "As we work toward a carbon-free society, we hope Honda's Green Dealer Program provides a framework for fellow automakers that want to enhance their dealers' environmentally responsible operations. "
Douglas Greenhaus, vice president of Regulatory Affairs, Environment, Health, and Safety at NADA, adds: "Working with the Green Dealer Program has left me with admiration for what Honda is doing to partner with its dealers on sustainability and environmental compliance. The Green Dealer Program is exemplary in that it assists dealerships with a structured way to reduce their environmental impacts and to build greener futures in their communities. "
The voluntary Honda Green Dealer Program is structured as a yearly assessment to optimize existing and new facilities in the areas of energy performance, water efficiency and site practices. The program provides dealers with support for data collection, environmental assessment, expert advice, implementation and results verification. Since the program's launch, the average dealership has reduced energy use by 20%, saving an average of $20,000 per year and $34 million in energy costs over the last 10 years.
Other high impact dealership improvements include:
Culver City Honda Achieves 100% Carbon Neutrality
The Honda Green Dealer Program recently recognized Culver City Honda in Culver City, California, as a carbon neutral dealership, meaning it has offset 100% of its operating emissions. A Green Dealer since 2014, Culver City Honda installed an energy management system, interior and exterior LED lighting and controls, drought-resistant landscape to conserve water, high-efficiency water fixtures and multiple electric vehicle charging stations including Level 2 and DC fast chargers. Through the Clean Power Alliance, a Southern California electricity provider offering clean renewable energy, Culver City Honda also receives energy from 100% renewable sources to offset its emissions.
"As a Green Dealer, our focus year over year at Culver City Honda is to find ways in which we can measurably reduce our impact, " said Hoss Haghighat, general manager at Culver City Honda. "We have seen continued benefits from the Green Dealer Program, including an enhanced brand image and increased competitive advantage in the community, improved recruitment and retention of quality employees, earning eco-friendly incentives and rebates along with reduced waste and increased preparedness for future regulations. "
10-Year Highlights of the Honda Green Dealer Program
Over the past decade the Green Dealer Program has evolved to meet the needs of its dealers and Honda's vision for a carbon-free society. Highlights of the program include:
Honda utilized the professional engineering services of Altura Associates, Inc. to complete dealership environmental assessments and to help design the Honda and Acura Environmental Leadership Programs. For more information, visit https://greendealer.honda.com/.
