#United States #ENERGY STAR #Honda #Acura #Cocoa, FL

Honda and Acura Set New Green Standards

In a remarkable achievement for eco-friendly automobile practices, seven dealerships under the Honda and Acura brands have been awarded ENERGY STAR certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This recognition highlights their commitment to energy efficiency at a time when sustainable operations are increasingly vital for the environment and the future of the automotive industry.

The Importance of ENERGY STAR Certification

Since the establishment of the ENERGY STAR certification for vehicle dealerships in 2024, Honda and Acura have led the way with fourteen certified locations, the highest number in the industry. The EPA states that ENERGY STAR certified buildings use 35% less energy and emit 35% fewer greenhouse gases compared to non-certified equivalents, marking a significant step towards reducing the overall environmental impact of automobile dealerships.

Recent Certification Winners

Among the newly certified dealerships are:

• - First Texas Honda, Austin, Texas
• - Hardin Honda, Anaheim, California
• - Honda of Serramonte, Colma, California
• - Klein Honda, Everett, Washington
• - Rallye Acura, Roslyn, New York
• - Space Coast Honda, Cocoa, Florida
• - Tony Honda, Waipahu, Hawaii

Each of these establishments has undergone rigorous assessments using the EPA’s online ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool, measuring energy performance based on a year of utility bill data. Achieving a score of 75 or above placed these dealers in the top 25% of similar operations nationwide.

Commitment to Sustainability

Honda and Acura's Environmental Leadership Programs, initiated in 2011, encourage dealers to implement measures that significantly reduce their operational footprint. These programs have resulted in a cumulative reduction of over 275,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions—a reduction equivalent to the annual electricity-related CO2 emissions of more than 53,000 homes. Additionally, participating dealerships typically save approximately $20,000 annually through energy efficiency improvements.

Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., emphasized the importance of these programs, stating, "With support from our Environmental Leadership Programs, our dealers are setting industry standards for eco-friendly operations, paving the way toward a more sustainable future."

The Path Ahead

As part of its long-term goals, Honda is striving for zero environmental impact by 2050. This ambition includes transitioning to carbon-neutral products, utilizing 100% energy from renewable sources, and achieving full sustainability in materials utilized throughout production. By 2040, Honda aims for all automobile sales worldwide to come from electric vehicles, while also integrating sustainable practices into its powersports and equipment divisions.

The dealership certifications represent a significant milestone, not just for the companies involved but for the automotive industry as a whole. Leaders in sustainability like Klein Honda, Rallye Acura, and Space Coast Honda are setting an example, showcasing how dealerships can take actionable steps towards reducing their carbon footprints and fostering a greener community.

Conclusion

The recognition of seven Honda and Acura dealerships reflects a broader commitment to sustainable practices across all facets of the automotive industry. As these brands continue their push for environmental sustainability, they reaffirm the importance of corporate responsibility within the automotive sector, showing that it’s possible to operate profitably while taking care of the planet. The progress made serves as an inspiring blueprint for other automakers and dealers aiming to integrate energy efficiency and eco-friendly initiatives into their business models, driving the entire industry towards a more sustainable future.