Auto dealerships use on average more energy per square foot than a typical office building. But the good news is that cost effective opportunities exist for significant reductions in the energy used for lighting, HVAC, and other services, while still maintaining lighting quality, safety, and customer comfort.

The following ENERGY STAR® resources provide information on products and energy-saving practices that you can apply to your auto dealership. In addition, you'll find information on complying with environmental regulations that affect auto dealers, and further help reduce environmental impact of your operations.

What You Can Do

• If you are a member of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), participate in NADA’s Energy Stewardship Initiative

• Visit the NADA and learn about the guidebook: Putting Energy into Profits: An Auto Dealer Guide

• Establish a comprehensive energy management program using the ENERGY STAR Guidelines for Energy Management

• Join ENERGY STAR

• Receive training on building benchmarking and other energy efficiency topics

• Benchmark the energy used in your facility, using ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager

• Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products to save energy throughout the dealership

Learn more about the following technologies and practices that are applicable in automobile dealer store facilities.

• Building Shell

• Heating, Cooling & Ventilating

• Lighting

• Office Equipment & Appliances

Environmental Regulations for Auto Dealers and Repair Shops

• CCAR-GreenLink
  Offers environmental compliance assistance and information to automotive repair and service businesses.

• EPA Guidance for Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Businesses
  Guidelines, standards and regulations for managing vehicle maintenance materials and wastes.

• How to Find, Remove and Replace Mercury Switches in Automobiles
  Guidance and regulations on how to find, remove, and replace mercury switches.

• Managing Used Oil : Advice for Small Business
  Fact sheet for service stations, fleet maintenance facilities, and "quick lube" shops that generate and handle used oil.

• On-Board Diagnostics : Regulations for Repair Technicians
  EPA requires that repair technicians have access to emissions-related service information, developed by vehicle and engine manufacturers, to utilize the On-Board Diagnostic system.

• Small Entity Compliance Guide : How the New Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Well Rule Affects Your Business
  Information on five ways small businesses can minimize their hazardous waste on site.

Produced in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Business Gateway and ENERGY STAR®