NOV

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.

Roles and Responsibilities

of Green Team Members

A question that is often asked is, “What are the responsibilities/roles of each Green Team Member at a Subaru retailer?”. More than likely, each person on the team may have more than one role to play.


A Green Team at a Subaru retailer typically consists of members with various responsibilities aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Here are some common roles and responsibilities:


Green Team Leader: Guides the entire Green Team by setting sustainability goals, developing action plans, and ensuring that all initiatives align with the retail facility's environmental objectives. They function as the primary point of contact for all sustainability matters and inspire the team to strive for continuous improvement.


Recycling Coordinator: Spearheads the retail facility's recycling efforts by setting up and managing recycling stations for various materials like paper, plastic, and metals. They conduct regular audits to ensure compliance and provide training sessions for employees on the importance of recycling and proper sorting techniques. The long-range goal here is Zero Waste-to-Landfill.


Energy Efficiency Specialist: Focuses on reducing the retail facility's energy footprint by conducting energy audits, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing energy-saving solutions such as LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances. They also monitor energy usage and track savings to measure the impact of their initiatives by using tools such as ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.


Sustainability Educator: Develops and delivers educational programs to raise awareness about environmental issues and to promote eco-friendly practices among employees. They create engaging content, organize workshops, and lead by example, fostering a culture of sustainability within the retail facility.


Waste Reduction Specialist: Analyzes the retail facility's waste streams and devises strategies to minimize waste generation, such as adopting paperless systems, using reusable materials, and encouraging responsible consumption. They also track waste reduction progress and report on achievements to the Green Team Leader. The long-range goal here is Zero Waste-to-Landfill.


Sustainable Procurement Officer: Ensures that the retail facility's purchasing decisions are environmentally responsible by sourcing products and services that are sustainable, ethically produced, and have a low environmental impact. They collaborate closely with suppliers to negotiate eco-friendly options and educate staff on the benefits of sustainable procurement.


Green Fleet Manager: Manages the retailer's vehicle fleet with a focus on reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation options. They oversee the integration of electric and hybrid vehicles into the fleet, implement eco-driving training for employees, and explore opportunities for carpooling and ride-sharing.


Community Outreach Coordinator: Builds relationships with the local community to promote sustainability efforts and to participate in environmental initiatives. They organize events such as cleanup drives, tree planting activities, and educational workshops to engage the community and showcase the retailer's commitment to environmental stewardship.


That leads to a further question of what are the roles and responsibilities of each of these team members? This month we will begin with the specific Roles and Initiatives a Green Team Leader can take.


A Green Team Leader at a Subaru retailer can play a vital role in driving sustainability efforts and ensuring that the retail facility operates in an eco-friendly manner. Here are specific Roles and Initiatives for the position of Green Team Leader:


Roles

Strategic Planner: Develops and implements a comprehensive sustainability plan for the retail facility, setting short-term and long-term goals.

Coordinator: Facilitates communication among different departments to ensure that everyone is aligned with the retail facility's green initiatives.

Mentor and Trainer: Educates and motivates employees about sustainable practices and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Liaison: Acts as the point of contact for external stakeholders, including local environmental organizations, government agencies, and the community.

Monitor and Evaluator: Tracks progress on sustainability goals, conducts regular audits, and provides feedback to the team.


Initiatives

Energy Efficiency Projects: Implementing LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and energy-efficient HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption.

Waste Reduction Programs: Organizing recycling drives, promoting the use of reusable materials, and minimizing single-use plastics.

Green Procurement Policies: Sourcing eco-friendly products, materials, and services from suppliers that adhere to sustainable practices.

Water Conservation Efforts: Installing water-efficient fixtures and systems in restrooms and service areas to reduce water usage.

Community Engagement: Hosting events like tree planting, cleanup drives, and environmental workshops to raise awareness and engage the community.

Carbon Footprint Reduction: Introducing a green fleet with electric and hybrid vehicles and promoting carpooling and ride-sharing among employees.

Sustainable Building Practices: Integrating green building materials and technologies into retail facility renovations or new construction.

Employee Involvement: Creating a suggestion box for employees to contribute ideas for sustainability initiatives and then recognizing their efforts.


By taking on these roles and initiatives, a Green Team Leader can significantly influence the retail facility's sustainability journey and ensure continuous improvement.


Next month we will provide Roles and Initiatives of other Green Team Members. Do you want to provide additional responsibilities for the Green Team Leader? E-mail me at chuck@greendealersupport.com

We hope that you have found this information useful. We want to learn what your Subaru retail facility is doing to utilize/maximize your Green Team and its members. Be sure to include pictures whenever possible. Please reply to this e-mail with your information.

Rafferty Subaru -- Newtown Square, PA

"Loves the Earth"

Rafferty Subaru Cleans Up at Drexel Lodge Park / Crum Creek

Rafferty Subaru, in Newtown Square, PA, "Loves the Earth" and definitely puts words into actions! In partnership with CRC Watersheds (which was founded on the same day as Earth Day in 1970), Rafferty volunteers recently spent time, for the third year, cleaning up around nearby Crum Creek in Drexel Lodge Park. CRC Watersheds also sponsors tree planting, in addition to stream and park cleanups.

Drexel Lodge Park is situated near Crum Creek. In some years, trash weighing a total of 1000 pounds has been collected. One year a lawnmower had to be dug out of the mud!


If your retailer is not already participating in some type of environmental cleanup, is there an opportunity somewhere that you might be missing? Subaru retailers can stand at the forefront of community engagement and environmental stewardship by participating in environmental cleanups. By actively engaging in eco-friendly initiatives, you not only show your commitment to sustainability but also foster community goodwill and attract customers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, this is a fantastic opportunity for your team to bond and cultivate a sense of pride in your retail facility's community involvement.

National Recycling Day

November 15, 2024


National Recycling Day/America Recycles Day is coming up on Friday, November 15, 2024. What are your plans to promote this event at your retail facility? Please let us know what actions you took by replying to this newsletter.


As Certified Subaru Eco-Friendly Retailers, you hold a powerful position in promoting sustainability, and America Recycles Day presents a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to the environment. By integrating this initiative into your marketing strategies, Subaru retailers can position themselves as leaders in corporate social responsibility, appealing to a growing demographic of environmentally conscious consumers. Initiatives such as offering incentives for recycling old vehicles or educating customers about proper automotive waste disposal can deepen customer engagement and trust. This commitment not only elevates your retailer's reputation but also contributes positively to environmental conservation efforts, fostering a community that prioritizes eco-friendly practices and responsible consumption. Embracing America Recycles Day is not just a marketing opportunity; it is a step toward a sustainable future that benefits both your retail facility and the planet.

Earth Day 2024 is in the rear-view mirror. It's never too soon to start thinking about Earth Day 2025, coming up on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The theme for 2025 is "Our Power, Our Planet." How green will you be in 2025? Let us know what actions you took in 2024 by replying to this e-mail. We look forward to hearing about your endeavors.


Many of you posted 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 during the next several months. 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.

Who's Certified?

Click below to see the full list of 257 certified retailers.

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Chuck Golden
Green Dealer Support
517.719.0355
WWW.SUBARUGREENRETAILER.COM