New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program

Introduction Recognizing the environmental impact of the automotive repair industry, a small group of industry and government leaders developed the New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program (NJGARP).

NJGARP Structure NJ GARP is a partnership between: –AAA New Jersey Automobile Club –New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJCAR) –New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association (NJGCA) In collaboration with: –New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

NJGARP Goals To promote “green” practices by automotive repair facilities in an effort to minimize their impact on the environment. To offer the repair shops specific ways to adopt green business practices that will conserve New Jersey’s resources and reduce their carbon footprint.

“Green Shop” Definition A “Green Shop” is an automotive repair business that has evaluated the impact of its operations on the environment, and then adopted specific practices intended to minimize waste generation, maximize recycling, conserve energy, and protect customers and employees at its facility.

Benefits of Being a “Green Shop” It’s the right thing to do… Most “Green” measures reduce repair and maintenance costs. Provides a safer and healthier facility for customers and employees. Many consumers will go above and beyond to do business with an environmentally responsible company.

Earning Green By Going Green Recycling Practices –Scrap 12,000 lbs/ year x $.70 = $8, / year x $4.00 =$1,440 –Used Oil (6,000 changes/ year x 5 quarts = 7,500 gallons x $.50 (average) =$3,750 –Catalytic 120/ year x $30.00 =$3,600 Gross profit from recycling four (4) items above = $17,190

Saving Green By Going Green Aerosol brake cleaner vs. refillable spray bottles-$1,100 Efficient lighting and controls-$4,200 On-demand hot water-$2,000 HVAC total estimated savings-$9,600 –Natural gas heating –Insulate and wrap all duct work –Properly set and seasonally adjusted controls –Tinted windows Annual savings from four (4) green practices = $16,900

NJGARP Process The NJGARP committee developed an 88-point checklist that auto repair facilities can implement to become more environmentally responsible The checklist includes items such as: –Pollution prevention measures –Resource conservation measures –Waste fluids management –Energy and water conservation –Waste water reduction –Recycling practices –Customers and worker protection at the facility

NJGARP Process (cont.) Each item on the checklist has a point value. To earn NJGARP certification and green business recognition, a repair facility must implement enough practices to score a minimum of 300 points. –Compliance is ensured through on-site inspections by NJGARP committee members NJGARP-certified repair facilities must re-apply and be re-certified every two years –On-site inspections are required for re-certification as well

Conclusion “Good environmental policy also translates into good business practice. When a repair shop conserves water and energy, they not only contribute to the overall good of the environment, they save money as well.”