Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA), Maserati and Chrysler Group are increasingly involving the dealer and service network in their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their activities.
Fiat Group Automobiles identified the main environmental impacts of its company-owned dealership facilities and subsequently developed Environmental Guidelines to be applied. These Guidelines are related to the use of materials and equipment, as well as to processes necessary to reduce environmental impact. Maserati conducted a similar study and all new service centers are being built in accordance with these Guidelines.
The Guidelines specify the processes and materials to be used in the design of future dealerships. Without neglecting technical aspects and functional concerns, the Guidelines focus on energy reduction and the responsible use of resources in an effort to ensure that impacts are reduced to a minimum. The most important specifications refer to the use of alternative energy and new technologies for both heating and cooling; the use of photovoltaic solar panels to produce electricity; attention to building orientation to optimize lighting and ventilation; the optimization of waste recycling and the reuse of rain and gray water. In addition, highly-recyclable and zero or low-toxic emission construction materials are recommended.
These Guidelines are applied to the construction of new FGA-owned dealerships, and their adoption by new and existing private network premises will be encouraged starting in 2012.
In an effort to promote and support the same principles throughout its dealer network, the Chrysler Group Network Development organization and the Corporate Sustainability Office initiated the Dealer ECO (Environmentally Conscious Operations) program. This voluntary program provides an opportunity for dealers to demonstrate their commitment to ecologically sound business practices and be recognized for their efforts. It consists of three elements: a survey of the current dealer network’s environmental practices, recognition of top ECO dealers and sharing of best practice. Dealers who exhibit exemplary performance in ECO practices are nominated for the Chrysler Group Environmental Leadership Award (ELA). In 2011, two Chrysler Group dealers received ELA awards for initiatives such as the use of solar array systems; extensive recycling programs for oil, tires and other waste; and the installation of energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems.
