Automotive Blog

For all the corporate cutbacks and economic woes, at least one General Motors dealer did something pretty exciting this week in a majorly green way and the home office was more than ready to cash in and celebrate to pick up some good press. The event in question was the re-opening of a new $15 million dealership in Suburban Detroit, LaFontaine Automotive Group’s Buick-Pontiac-GMC-Cadillac facility — all 64,000 square feet of it.

The design works to pull in every energy advantage possible. Eighty-five skylights open up to capture natural light and reduce the electric bill, while natural materials have been used when possible, like doors fabricated of wheat and corncobs. The facility will recycle 85% of its car-wash water and collect rainwater for irrigating the landscaping. For heating and cooling, 64 in-ground wells capture energy stored in the earth.

The cost of renovating the dealership rose about $2 million to reach the level of green street cred they’ve attained, more than enough to qualify for a certificate of Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design from the U.S. Green Building Council. The return? Energy savings of 54%. They’ll make back the expense in five to six years at current rates.

So what about the green performance of GM’s vehicles? Frankly, I’m still giving them an “eh.” For instance, the 2008 Buick Enclave gets 24 mpg on the highway. Get that up to 35 and I’ll jump on the band wagon. But this dealership? Fantastic job and the direction we all need to go.

Posted on July 18th, 2008 by Shorty
Filed under: general, lifestyle |

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