MAR
2024
Eco-Friendly Tips of the Month
Chuck Golden
Each month, as part of this newsletter, I am going to share with you my ideas that may work for you as you strive to be more environmentally sustainable.
The Importance of Energy Usage Conservation
Why Is It Important for a Retail Facility
to Conserve Energy Usage?

Conserving energy usage is important for retail facilities for several reasons, and it can bring about various benefits for both the facility itself and the broader community. Here are some key reasons why energy conservation is crucial for retail facilities: 
 
1. Operational Cost Savings: Retailers often have extensive facilities with lighting, heating, cooling, and electronic systems. Implementing energy-efficient practices can lead to significant cost savings by reducing electricity and utility bills, thereby contributing to improved overall financial performance.
2. Competitive Advantage: In an increasingly environmentally conscious market, consumers are more likely to support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. A retail facility that conserves energy can use this as a marketing tool, gaining a competitive advantage by appealing to environmentally aware consumers.
3. Compliance with Regulations: Many regions have regulations and standards in place to promote energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Adhering to these regulations not only helps the facility avoid potential fines, but also demonstrates a commitment to compliance and ethical business practices.
4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Energy conservation aligns with broader CSR goals. By adopting energy-efficient practices, a retail facility can showcase its commitment to environmental sustainability, enhancing its reputation and fostering positive relationships with customers and the community.
5. Reduced Environmental Impact: Retail facilities, like many businesses, contribute to environmental challenges through energy consumption. Conserving energy helps reduce the facility's carbon footprint, mitigating its impact on climate change and contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly operation.
6. Enhanced Customer Perception: Customers increasingly value businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility. A retail facility that conserves energy can be viewed more favorably by customers, potentially leading to increased brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth advertising.
7. Employee Morale and Productivity: Creating a green and sustainable workplace can boost employee morale. Employees are often proud to work for a company that actively contributes to environmental conservation. Additionally, a comfortable and energy-efficient workplace can positively affect employee productivity and well-being.
8. Long-Term Cost Stability: Investments in energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting or energy-efficient HVAC systems, may involve initial costs but can result in long-term savings. These technologies tend to be more durable and require less maintenance, contributing to cost stability over time.

In summary, energy conservation for a retail facility is not only about reducing costs, but also about positioning the business as socially responsible, environmentally conscious, and forward-thinking, which can lead to a range of tangible and intangible benefits.

We hope that you have found these thought-starters useful. We want to learn what your facility is doing to become more environmentally sustainable when it comes to energy conservation. Be sure to include pictures whenever possible. Please reply to this e-mail with your information.
Boardman Subaru in Boardman, OH, recently partcipated in a tree-planting event at Collier Preserve in Mill Creek MetroPark, located in Boardman Township. A group of YSU (Youngstown State University) students, faculty, alumni and community members, including volunteers from Boardman Subaru and First Energy Corp., worked together to plant approximately 1600 trees and install tree stakes and protective tubes in November.




Boardman Subaru leveraged social media to its advantage with postings like this on Facebook to get the word out and raise awareness. Please note that the goal is to plant a tree for every incoming YSU freshman -- what a way to draw attention to this event!
Prior to the tree-planting event in the fall, Boardman Subaru, tied into the "Subaru Loves the Earth" campaign by donating $25 to Mill Creek MetroParks for each vehicle sold in April. The "Keep Mill Creek Green" program plants a tree for every $25 donated. As you can tell, Boardman Subaru has played a major role in the support of this worthwhile program, demonstrating their commitment to improving the local environment. A huge shout-out to Boardman Subaru for their involvement!
As a result of the above-mentioned April campaign, Boardman Subaru presented a check in June for $5000 to Mill Creek MetroParks. This is the second year of the partnership between Boardman Subaru and Mill Creek MetroParks. This year's donation brings the total donation to $8500.
Plastics Pollution
According to CNN, "the world’s oceans are polluted by a “plastic smog” made up of an estimated 171 trillion plastic particles that if gathered would weigh around 2.3 million tons."

Retail facilities are stepping up to tackle plastic pollution, a growing environmental concern. Many facilities are implementing eco-friendly practices such as reducing plastic packaging, using biodegradable products, and promoting recycling. By taking these steps, retail facilities are not only reducing their environmental impact but also setting an example for other industries to follow.

Keep in mind that any run-off that isn't recycled has the potential to reach a nearby waterway and ultimately make its way to the ocean. Please make sure that your customers are aware of your efforts to reduce plastics pollution. Customers are more likely to support a retail facility that they see as environmentally friendly.

"Plastics vs. Pollution' is the theme for Earth Day 2024. You can tie into that upcoming event on April 22.

You can read the entire CNN article here.
How green will you be in 2024? It's not too early to start thinking ahead and planning an event around April 22. Let us know what you've got in mind for 2024 by replying to this e-mail. We look forward to hearing about your endeavors.
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.
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Chuck Golden
Green Dealer Support
517.719.0355