Why Subaru Retailers Should Track Utility Usage in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

I often get the question, “Why should I track utility usage through the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager?”

As a requirement of the Subaru Eco-Friendly Retailer Program, the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager offers several benefits for Subaru retailers, making it worthwhile to take the time every month to track utility usage.:

1. Cost Savings: By monitoring energy and water use, retail facilities can identify inefficiencies and implement measures to reduce utility costs.

2. Energy Efficiency: The tool helps retail facilities benchmark their energy performance against that of other Subaru retailers and other car dealerships, providing a clear picture of how efficiently they are using energy.

3. Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption lowers the retail facility's carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability.

4. Operational Insights: The Portfolio Manager provides detailed metrics and reports, helping retail facilities make informed decisions about energy investments and improvements.

5. Certification and Recognition: Retail facilities that perform well can earn the prestigious ENERGY STAR certification, which can be a valuable marketing tool to attract eco-conscious customers.

ENERGY STAR certification is a mark of excellence which signifies that a Subaru retailer meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Here are some key points about the certification:

a) Eligibility: Buildings, including retail facilities, must meet specific energy performance standards to qualify. This often involves scoring in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide, based on energy use.

b) Assessment: To achieve certification, a building’s energy performance is assessed using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. This tool helps track energy and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.

c) Verification: An independent licensed professional must verify the building’s energy data and performance before certification is granted.

d) Benefits:

1. Cost Savings: Certified buildings typically use 35% less energy and cause 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than average buildings.
2. Market Differentiation: ENERGY STAR certification can enhance a retail facility's reputation, attracting environmentally-conscious customers.
3. Environmental Impact: It demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and helps reduce the overall carbon footprint.

e) Recognition: Certified buildings are listed in the ENERGY STAR registry, and businesses can use the ENERGY STAR logo in their marketing materials.

For more information Showcase Your Efficiency for Customers with ENERGY STAR Certification

If you have any questions about ENERGY STAR or your account, please contact Chuck Golden at: 517-719-0355 or send an e-mail to chuck@GreenDealerSupport.com

We hope that you have found this information useful. We want to learn what your Subaru retail facility is doing to track utility usage. Be sure to include pictures whenever possible. Please reply to this e-mail with your information.

Baxter Subaru Omaha, in Omaha, NE, recently partnered with Keep Omaha Beautiful to sponsor their rain barrel workshops. There were 56 residents who signed up to participate and learn to build their own rain barrels to be installed in their own homes. Rain barrels are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost-effective and eco-friendly nature. Collecting and storing rainwater that falls on your roof can reduce your reliance on municipal water sources and lower your utility bills. The collected rainwater can be used for gardening, watering plants and landscaping, and even washing cars! With the ever-increasing concern for sustainable living, investing in a rain barrel is an easy way to make a positive impact on both your wallet and the environment.

Baxter Subaru Omaha -- Omaha, NE

Zero Waste to Landfill Retailer

Baxter Subaru Omaha joined forces with Hillside Solutions in an effort to reduce the amount of waste that their retail facility was sending to the landfill. The facility, with guidance from Hillside Solutions, accomplished a reduction of 88 yards of trash weekly, from 96 yards down to eight yards, sending less than 10% of waste to the landflll and recycling or composting over 90%. As a result, Hillside Solutions awarded Baxter Subaru Omaha with the Zero Waste to Landfill Award, making the retailer possibly the first and only zero waste to landfill retailer in the country.

You can learn more about the five-stop process to zero waste by clicking Baxter Subaru Loves the Earth and then scrolling down the page, and you can watch the video here for additional information.

Reynolds' Subaru -- Lyme, CT

Reynolds' Subaru in Lyme, CT, featured an Earth Day video on Facebook for their customers. It reiterated the steps that the retail facility is taking to protect the environment:



• Polllinator Pathways
• Reusable Cups
• Programmable Thermostats
• Solterra EVs
• Cardboard Recycling
• Reusable Dishes
• Repurposed Oil
• Automatic Service Department Doors
• Waste Water Disposal

You can watch the video here.