"GGI" In The Automotive Industry

The "Go Green Initiative" also known as "GGI" has gone from trend to phenomenon. I must admit, I first believed the trend to be more of a fad.

We were introduced to the 'green' car when celebrities were photographed tooling around town in these new incredible plug-in vehicles that were no larger than a Yugo. The only captions we would read weren't about the turn of the century technology but rather where did they go in Los Angeles and what did the buy? Wow, how things change.

If you are green, going green or learning green you at least know that we are talking about natural resources, pollutants, conservation, environment and at the very least the necessity for our eyes to be opened to the obvious reality that we are wasteful. Scientists, researchers, government programs and universities among many others have made it their priority to study and analyze our soil, atmosphere and everything in between. With this data it has been revealed that our growth in numbers has increased by 4 billion in the past 200 years alone and found that come 2050 people will only have 25% of the resources per capita that people in 1950 had. With a fixed amount of natural resources we essentially plan on depleting what's left and leaving them in a baron wasteland.

So what say we about our future? Who's in? Thinking outside the box is even more necessary when you are faced with overwhelming losses predicted in the next 40 years. Can we act fast enough? The idea as a whole is recycle, reduce and reuse - so what can we do next. Being in the automotive industry I see amazing advances in science and engineering almost every single day. Of course we have the electric cars (hybrids) and then there's voice command, keyless entry, keyless ignition, satellite radio, etc, etc. But beyond emissions, fuel depletion and air pollution, what else can the automotive industry and/or dealerships do to participate? Well, there's a lot! Build a green dealership.

Believe it or not it is happening and the motivation is growing. I have read that several Toyota, General Motors, Cadillac, AutoNation, Honda and Mercedes-Benz dealerships have converted or simply implemented green methods within their facilities along with many others. While the financial undertaking seems overwhelming we must be reminded that it is a process and can be built upon in stages.

The green initiatives are numerous starting with smaller scale conversions such as car lifts lubricated with vegetable oil to eliminate contaminants, organic soaps used in the car washes, hydraulic lifts that use less power, installing skylights for use of natural light that save on electricity costs or even pressed corn made doors. Larger scale initiatives include geothermal heating systems that use a heating and cooling loop system, bamboo flooring, photocell lighting systems that measure ambient light in a room for automated shut-off, biodiesel powered machinery and even recycled water systems to collect rain for plumbing, car washes and irrigation.

The limits prove to be endless apparently but now we ask ourselves the million dollar question.where's the savings? How about $10,000(+) a month? One 'green' dealership in McKinney, TX saved $8,000 on their electric bill and saw a monthly water bill totaling $600 for the entire dealership. Another larger dealership reportedly saves $25,000/month in overhead for what they save in energy costs. Exceeding their financial expectations, they also witnessed increased sales as consumers were eager to participate with a eco-friendly business. However, patience is a virtue in the tested model and each business represents that they show a true recoup of costs approximately 3-5 years after the doors open.

In my opinion, that is a mere glimpse of time when we look at the output and wealth of the resources we salvage for the future. With Cash for Clunkers we saw the consumers will to participate in the movement but recycling and fuel emissions alone are not enough. If we receive the aid of large scale businesses, such as dealerships and manufacturing plants, to adopt the 'go green initiative', we can surely make the difference that is so desperately needed now. This is only the beginning of what I hope will bring a greater "green" awareness. It is worth every dollar spent and every drop of sweat to be able to help our future families now. I say we all do our part, get involved, share ideas and spread the word.

Heather Grandquest

1/12/2010