Each month, as part of this newsletter, I will continue to share with you my ideas and thoughts that may work for you as you strive to be more environmentally sustainable.

The Importance of Tracking Utility Usage

I am often asked why and how a Subaru retailer should track utility usage in a retail facility and what actions to take to do something about it. Here’s an answer to that, as well as a question at the end (to which we want you to respond) concerning Electricity Demand Charges.

Tracking Utility Usage in a Retail Facility and Taking Action

Introduction

Utility costs—electricity, water, gas, and more—are significant operational expenses for Subaru retailers. With large showrooms, service bays, and outdoor lots, retailers often face high and variable utility bills. Tracking utility usage is not just about cost control; it’s also about sustainability, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Why Track Utility Usage?

1.  Cost Management:

Utilities can account for a substantial portion of overhead. Monitoring usage helps identify waste and opportunities for savings.

2.  Sustainability:

Reducing unnecessary consumption aligns with environmental goals and can enhance the retailer's reputation.

3.  Regulatory Compliance:

Some regions require businesses to report or reduce their energy and water usage.

4.  Operational Insights:

Tracking can reveal equipment inefficiencies or leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed.

How to Track Utility Usage

In addition to tracking utility usage through tools like ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager or other tracking, you can do so with your own spreadsheets, etc.

Consider:

1. Installing Smart Meters and Submeters:

Modern smart meters provide real-time data on electricity, water, and gas consumption. Submeters can be installed for specific areas—like the service department, car wash, or HVAC systems—to pinpoint where energy is being used most.

2. Using Utility Management Software:

Many platforms aggregate data from multiple meters, visualize trends, and alert managers to unusual spikes in usage.

3. Conducting Regular Audits:

Periodic reviews of utility bills and on-site inspections can uncover billing errors, leaks, or malfunctioning equipment.

4. Engaging Staff:

Train employees to recognize and report waste, such as lights left on in empty rooms or water leaks in the wash bay.

Actions to Reduce Utility Usage

1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment:

Switch to 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and low-flow water fixtures. These upgrades often pay for themselves through reduced utility bills.

2. Implement Automated Controls:

Motion sensors for lighting, programmable thermostats, and timers for outdoor signage can ensure utilities are used only when needed.

3. Maintain Equipment Regularly:

Well-maintained equipment runs more efficiently. Schedule regular checks for HVAC systems, compressors, and water heaters.

4. Optimize Building Envelope: Improve insulation, seal windows and doors, and use reflective coatings on roofs to reduce heating and cooling loads.

5. Set Usage Targets and Monitor Progress:

Establish realistic reduction goals and track progress monthly. Celebrate milestones to keep staff engaged.

Taking Action: A Continuous Process

Tracking and reducing utility usage is not a one-time project but an ongoing process. By combining technology, staff engagement, and regular review, Subaru retailers can control costs, operate more sustainably, and set themselves apart as responsible businesses.

For commercial customers like Subaru retailers, Electricity Demand Charges can make up a significant portion of the monthly electricity bill—sometimes even more than the charges for total energy consumed. Demand charges are based on your highest short-term (often 15-minute) spike in electricity use during a billing cycle, not your total usage. This means that even a brief period of high demand—such as running HVAC systems, EV chargers, or other equipment simultaneously—can dramatically increase your bill. Do you want to know more about this subject in our next newsletter?

Please share your ideas. E-mail me at chuck@greendealersupport.com or reply to this e-mail with your information.

Rogers Subaru -- Lewiston, ID

Clearwater River Cleanup

"The afternoon of May 16th, 2025, dawned cloudy with threatening rain, mirroring the pristine waters of the Clearwater River, but not deterring a dedicated crew. Twenty-five employees from the Rogers Subaru retailer gathered along Highway 12, their blue "Subaru Loves the Earth" t-shirts a vibrant contrast to the green of the surrounding Idaho landscape, and their blaze orange safety vests. This wasn't just a company outing; it was an act of service, a living embodiment of the Subaru Love Promise. The mission: to clean up a two-mile stretch of riverfront, a task made necessary by the unfortunate reality of roadside litter. Armed with gloves, trash bags, and a shared sense of purpose, the team spread out along the highway. The sounds of the rushing river mingled with the cheerful chatter of volunteers as they worked. They found the usual culprits: plastic bottles, fast-food wrappers, and discarded cans. But there were also more unusual items: a tattered tire, a rusted hubcap, and even a wayward lawn chair, all testaments to the careless disregard some had shown this beautiful place. As the day progressed, the initial energy was sustained by the tangible results of their efforts. Bag after bag filled with debris, a testament to the impact a dedicated group could make. Drivers passing by honked their horns in support, offering smiles and waves. The employees, in turn, felt a growing sense of connection to each other, to the community, and to the river they were helping to restore. By late afternoon, the two-mile stretch of Highway 12 along the Clearwater River looked significantly different. Seventy-five bags of litter had been collected, a small victory in the ongoing battle to protect our environment. Tired but satisfied, the Subaru team gathered for a final group photo, the rolling hillsides behind them a symbol of the beauty they had helped preserve. The Subaru Love Promise wasn't just a slogan; it was a promise kept, a promise to the Earth and to the community they called home."

Karson Ausman, Marketing Coordinator, provides this makes-you-feel-like-you-were-there description of the cleanup at Clearwater River by employees of Rogers Subaru, in Lewiston, ID. The cleanup along the river, along with the retailer's participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program, clearly demonstrates the retailer's commitment to Subaru Loves the Earth.

A riverbank cleanup improves water quality, protects wildlife, prevents erosion, and strengthens community pride—all while reducing pollution and building climate resilience. It’s one of the most impactful local actions for both environmental health and civic engagement.

🌍 Environmental Benefits

• Water Quality Improvement: Riverbanks act as natural filters, trapping pollutants before they enter waterways.
• Wildlife Habitat Protection: Clean, restored banks provide safe habitats for fish, birds, and amphibians.
• Erosion Control: Removing debris and planting native vegetation stabilizes soil, preventing sediment from clouding rivers.
• Flood Mitigation: Healthy banks absorb excess water, reducing flood risks.
• Climate Resilience: Restored riparian zones help rivers adapt to extreme weather and climate pressures.

🤝 Community & Social Advantages

• Civic Pride: A cleaner riverbank boosts morale and makes public spaces more enjoyable.
• Educational Value: Cleanup events teach participants about ecosystems, pollution, and sustainability.
• Community Bonding: Volunteers work together, strengthening local networks and teamwork.
• Public Health: Cleaner rivers reduce risks of waterborne diseases and improve recreational safety.

💰 Practical & Economic Gains

• Cost Savings: Volunteer cleanups reduce government spending on maintenance.
• Tourism & Recreation: Attractive riverbanks encourage outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and walking trails.
• Land Preservation: Preventing erosion protects valuable land from washing away.
• Local Economy Boost: Cleaner, greener spaces can increase property values and attract visitors.

📊 Comparison of Key Advantages

• Environmental: Cleaner water, erosion control, wildlife habitat
• Community: Civic pride, education, volunteer engagement
• Economic: Reduced maintenance costs, tourism, property value
• Resilience: Flood mitigation, climate adaptation

⚠️ Challenges & Considerations

• Safety Risks: Volunteers must use protective gear to avoid sharp objects or contaminated waste.
• Sustainability: Cleanups should be paired with long-term strategies like native planting and pollution prevention.
• Consistency: One-time events help, but ongoing monitoring (such as that provided by ensures lasting impact.

In short, riverbank cleanups are a powerful blend of environmental stewardship, community service, and economic benefit.

Rogers Subaru -- Lewiston, ID

Adopt-A-Highway

Corey Brown, General Manager at Rogers Subaru, describes the retailer's involvement in the Adopt-A-Highway Program:

"Twice per year, Rogers Subaru employees take time out of their busy days to help clean up US 95 east of Lewiston. Rogers Motors has adopted two miles of roadway, and volunteers from Rogers Subaru help in keeping it clean. This year our November cleanup was particularly eventful. Our team filled over 40 30-gallon bags with litter. Orange trash bags dotted the side of the highway, as far as the eye could see. No stone was left unturned and no can was left behind as the team diligently made sure every scrap was accounted for. The outpouring of support from the team was heartwarming, and it was evident that the Rogers Subaru team took the opportunity for a Love Promise moment to ensure our community would take notice of a clean, litter-free commute on our beautiful river highway."

🌱 Participating in Adopt-A-Highway is about more than just picking up litter—it’s a chance to make a visible, lasting impact on your community and environment.

🌍 Environmental Benefits

• Cleaner Landscapes: Removing trash prevents it from entering waterways and harming wildlife.
• Reduced Pollution: Litter cleanup helps keep soil and air healthier.
• Symbolic Stewardship: It shows that people care about protecting shared spaces.

🤝 Community Impact

• Public Recognition: Your retailer's name is displayed on a roadside sign, giving visibility to your efforts.
• Civic Pride: Locals notice cleaner roads, which boosts morale and community spirit.
• Educational Value: It’s a hands-on way to teach kids and volunteers about sustainability.

💰 Practical Advantages

• Cost Savings: Volunteer work reduces taxpayer expenses for highway maintenance.
• Safety Improvements: Clean shoulders along the highway reduce hazards for drivers and maintenance crews.
• Partnership with DOT: States often provide supplies like safety vests and trash bags, making participation easier.

🌟 Personal Rewards

• Sense of Accomplishment: Your team sees immediate results after each cleanup.
• Team Building: Great for retailer employee volunteers to bond over a shared mission.
• Legacy: Your retaler's name on a sign becomes a lasting symbol of contribution.

It’s essentially a blend of environmental activism, community service, and public outreach—all rolled into one.

Sheehy Subaru, in Springfield, VA, has a new retail facility as of August, 2025! Russ Zakeri, Managing Partner, describes the features of the facility:

"We are integrating environmental sustainability into business practices by utilizing LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and sensors to reduce energy consumption. With regards to water conservation, we are implementing high-efficiency hand dryers, coupled with low-flow auto faucets and toilets. We have quadrupled our recycling efforts by adding not only more recycling receptacles throughout the dealership, but we have also created a separation policy throughout the dealership to help the overall goal of zero-landfill operations. We have incorporated a bulk oil tank recycling system and tire recycling programs. We have also increased the frequency of trash and recycling pickups with our Waste and Sanitation management partner. Finally, we are empowering both our employees and community partners by encouraging them to bring in their recycled waste at any time for us to dispose properly to enhance the overall goal of a more sustainable community."

An eco-friendly retail facility offers clear advantages: it reduces operating costs through energy efficiency, attracts sustainability-minded customers, strengthens community reputation, and aligns with the growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles.

🌍 Environmental Advantages

• Lower Carbon Footprint: Use of solar panels, LED lighting, and water-saving fixtures reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Waste Reduction: Recycling programs and eco-friendly materials in service areas minimize landfill contributions.
• Support for EV Transition: Installing charging stations and prioritizing electric/hybrid inventory helps accelerate adoption of cleaner transportation.

💰 Business & Financial Benefits

• Cost Savings: Energy-efficient upgrades (solar, LED, laptops vs. desktops) cut utility bills.
• Profitability Boost: Case studies show eco-friendly retail facilities can increase sales.
• Government Incentives: Tax credits and grants often support renewable energy installations and EV infrastructure.

🤝 Community & Customer Impact

• Positive Brand Image: Sustainability initiatives resonate with younger buyers—81% of Millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products.
• Community Recognition: Programs like Subaru's Certified Eco-Friendly Retailer highlight retail facilities that lead in eco-friendly practices, boosting local pride.
• Employee Engagement: Staff often feels more motivated working for a business that aligns with their values, creating stronger customer service.

⚠️ Challenges & Considerations

• Upfront Costs: Solar panels, EV chargers, and retrofits require significant investment.
• Consumer Education: Buyers may need guidance on EV benefits and retailer sustainability practices.
• Consistency: Green branding must be backed by genuine practices to avoid “greenwashing.”

In summary, eco-friendly retail facilities combine environmental stewardship with smart business strategy—cutting costs, boosting sales, and building trust.

Earth Day

Earth Day 2026 is coming up on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. If you have not yet started formulating your plans to promote Earth Day at your retail facility, now is a good time to get started. We look forward to hearing about your endeavors.

Earth Day is not just a date on the calendar; it's an inspiring movement that unites millions worldwide in the pursuit of a healthier planet. By organizing and/or participating in local events such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and educational workshops, you can make a tangible difference in your community while promoting sustainable practices. By participating in Earth Day activities, we not only educate ourselves and others about the environmental impact of our choices but also foster a collective commitment to a more sustainable future.

Many of you post your Earth Day activities on social media. We peruse social media regularly to try to keep up with your "green" endeavors, and we are regularly impressed with what we see. Congratulations and keep up the good work! You just might find your retail facility featured in one of our upcoming newsletters since we plan to highlight Earth Day activities throughout the year. If there is an activity of which you are especially proud, please give us a "heads up" by replying to this e-mail and include the appropriate links to your social media postings or to your web site.

Green Dealer Support neither endorses nor promotes any particular product or company. We are merely offering an example of what is available, should you decide to move forward with any information you read about in this newsletter.