Eco-Friendly Tips of the Month |
|
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 a Facilities Manager |
|
Whether a Subaru retailer has a specific person with the title of Facilities Manager or whether that job gets spread around among several people/positions, all the activities need to be done by someone. The items that need to occur can all impact the bottom line and environment to which customers and employees are exposed.
What are the responsibilities of a Facilities Manager? A Facilities Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that the facility's physical infrastructure and facilities operate efficiently and effectively. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks to support the smooth functioning of the retail facility. Here are some of the key responsibilities:
1. Maintenance and Repairs:
- Oversee and coordinate maintenance and repair activities for the retail facility, including the showroom, service bays, offices, and parking areas.
- Schedule regular inspections and preventive maintenance to identify and address issues before they become major problems.
2. Budget Management:
- Develop and manage the facility budget, including forecasting expenses, monitoring costs, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Negotiate contracts with vendors and service providers to ensure cost-effective maintenance and repairs.
3. Compliance and Safety:
- Ensure that the facility complies with all relevant safety regulations and codes.
- Implement safety procedures and protocols for employees and customers.
- Conduct safety inspections and promptly address any hazards.
4. Space Planning and Layout:
- Plan and optimize the layout of the facility to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
- Coordinate any necessary renovations or space expansions.
5. Security:
- Implement security measures to protect the facility's assets, vehicles, and personnel.
- Install and maintain security systems, including alarms and surveillance cameras.
6. Environmental Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, particularly in relation to hazardous materials and waste disposal.
- Implement eco-friendly practices and initiatives whenever/wherever possible.
7. Utilities Management:
- Monitor and manage utility services such as electricity, water, and gas to minimize costs and promote energy efficiency.
- Implement energy-saving measures, such as lighting upgrades or HVAC system improvements.
8. Vendor Management:
- Collaborate with and oversee contractors, service providers, and suppliers for various facility-related services.
- Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate contracts as needed.
9. Emergency Response:
- Develop and maintain emergency response plans and procedures for situations like fires, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
- Conduct regular drills to ensure staff is prepared for emergencies.
10. Customer Service:
- Maintain a clean and welcoming environment for customers.
- Address customer complaints related to facility issues promptly and professionally.
11. Record Keeping:
- Maintain records of maintenance activities, repairs, and equipment servicing.
- Keep track of warranties and service contracts for equipment and systems.
12. Team Management:
- Supervise a team of maintenance and janitorial staff, if applicable.
- Provide training and guidance to ensure the team's efficiency and productivity.
13. Continuous Improvement:
- Identify areas for improvement in facility operations and make recommendations for enhancements.
- Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies for facility management.
|
|
Overall, a Facilities Manager at a Subaru retail facility is responsible for ensuring that the physical infrastructure and facilities are in top-notch condition, which, in turn, contributes to a positive customer experience and the facility's overall success.
We hope that you have found these thought-starters useful. We want to learn what your retail facility is doing to become more environmentally sustainable when it comes to facilities management. Be sure to include pictures whenever possible. Please reply to this e-mail with your information.
|
|
Eco-Friendly Display Wall
|
|
Liberty Subaru, of Emerson, NJ, certainly knows how to get the attention of customers in their customer service waiting room! Retailer Rick DeSIlva, Jr., tasked his daughter, Emily (a high school junior who is considering graphic art as a field of study in college), with creating an eco-display wall for the customer waiting area. The impressive result is a vinyl wall film, highlighting four main bullet points:
- Partnership with TerraCycle to recycle "hard to recycle" materials including coffee pods, cups, plastic shipping film and cabin air filters
- Waste oil used in shop heating systems
- High-efficiency HVAC systems
- High-speed garage doors to minimize conditioned-air exchange
- Energy-efficient LED lighting
This is an eco-display that cannot be overlooked! Notice also the TerraCycle recycle bins easily accessible to customers.
As a Certified Subaru Eco-Friendly Retailer, you are already aware that one of the certification requirements is an eco-display which is easily visible to customers. Green Dealer Support provides a list of Eco-Display examples which you can access by clicking here.
|
|
& Green Dealer Support Article
|
|
Chuck Golden
CEO, Green Dealer Support
|
|
Now you can put a face with the name, just in case we have not yet met.
Automotive News (having been referred by Mark Miller Subaru of South Salt Lake and Sandy, UT) reached out to me recently. Having started Green Dealer Support in 2011, I was thrilled and flattered to be contacted by Automotive News and to be featured in the Monday, November 6, 2023, publication. You need to be a subscriber to Automotive News to be able to access the article here. The interview discusses not only the importance, to both the retailer and to the consumer, of being an eco-friendly business, but also the numerous ways available to achieve that goal. The importance of having all employees on board to "walk the talk" cannot be stressed enough.
There was also a live-stream interview which you can access here.
|
|
Coming up on November 15, National Recycling Day, also known as America Recycles Day, is an important annual event that promotes the importance of recycling and waste reduction. By participating in this event, you can help protect the environment, conserve natural resources and reduce pollution. Recycling is good not only for the planet, but also good for your retail facility's bottom line. By recycling, you can save money on waste disposal fees and reduce your carbon footprint. Celebrate America Recycles Day by organizing a recycling event at your retail facility and in your community, educating others on the importance of recycling and renewing your commitment to reducing waste. Continue to do your part to make a difference and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
The EPA offers a wealth of tips and resources to assist you in maintaining and improving your recycling efforts:
Take advantage of this opportunity -- let us know your action plans to promote November 15. Let's celebrate this day and take action towards a greener, cleaner world!
|
|
If you participated in and provided your information during the Energy Star Portfolio Manager Webinar last August 28, your score will be announced to you via e-mail on November 13. For those who still want to become Energy Star-certified, to improve the energy efficiency of your building (thereby reducing energy costs and improving sustainability), here's another opportunity to join in 2023. There will be a webinar concerning Energy Star Certification on Friday, November 17, at 1pm Eastern Time, and you can access the webinar registration link here.
Energy Star Certification will be an annual event going forward. There will be opportunities to qualify in 2024 and beyond.
|
|
How green will you be in 2023? Many of you let us know last year what you did to promote and celebrate Earth Day in your retailer location. Let us know what actions you took for Earth Day 2023 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. |
|
Click below to see the full list of 243 certified retailers. |
|
Chuck Golden
Green Dealer Support
517.719.0355
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
