May 4, 2012—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) an Energy Star Partner.
The Energy Star Partner distinction, which includes more than 15,000 U.S. organizations, recognizes the SCRS for its efforts to bring solutions and programs to its membership base that increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"Collision shops are large buildings filled with extensive lighting, paint and preparation booths, computers and motors," said Steven Schillinger, president of environmental assessment company GRC-Pirk, which manages the SCRS-recognized GreenSweep member benefit program. “The amount of equipment that is necessary to run the business makes them prone to devouring energy."
Schillinger said repair facilities that participate in the GreenSweep program could increase energy efficiency by 10 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 30 percent.
The EPA estimates that automotive shops would save roughly $193 million in energy costs, and eliminate more than 1 million tons of greenhouse gases annually if they reduced energy consumption by 10 percent.
"We have learned over the years that small business can save just as much per square foot as big businesses can. Typically, this translates to about 30 percent in most cases," said Jerry Lawson, national manager of the Energy Star Small Business Network. "The key is to start with the low-cost and no-cost actions and strategies, and then you can roll those savings into even larger investments."
"In these challenging economic times, our focus on energy efficiency is generating real cost-savings for our members,” said Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the SCRS. "It is also a great advantage for us to help our members achieve sustainable improvements which reduce our environmental impact and preserve resources for the future. This recognition by the EPA as an Energy Star Partner organization underscores our commitment to our members to help them help the environment."
For more information on how to use environmental performance benchmarking and tracking tools of the GreenSweep program, visit findgreengarage.com/SCRS.
