Since the introduction of its EfficientDynamics technology in 2007, BMW has been well known as a world leader in manufacturing clean, energy efficient cars. But now it is taking things a step further, by asking its network of dealerships to clean up their act too.
BMW has ordered its dealer network to work on improving its environmental standards, as part of a broader sustainability programme being implemented across the whole company.
As part of this drive a team of experts has been sent out by BMW to assess the level of progress each dealer requires in order to meet a set of strict new standards. These specialists looked at four main areas – heat, electricity, operational conditions and air systems within each building they visited. Specific measures were then suggested to improve standards, from basic things like insulation and installing the most energy efficient light bulbs, through to more extensive projects such as heat recovery technology, groundwater heat pumps, and the installation of solar panels and wind turbines.
The assessments and subsequent recommendations were made based on BREEAM, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, which sets the standard for sustainable design across the world.
Since the initiative was launched, three dealerships have implemented an extensive set of measures in line with the highest standards set out by BREEAM. Williams Bolton in Lancashire, the first UK site to implement the measures, is now reportedly saving £65,000 per year in water rates and an incredible £85,000 per year in energy costs. They managed this through the use of storm water drainage, an air source heat pump, recycled wash water, and low energy lighting.
The latest green dealership will be a new build in Elms Cambridge, which will launch later this month. This will feature LED lighting, a wind turbine and solar panels which combine to provide 12% of the building's energy requirements, and recycled vehicle wash water. It is expected that these measures will reduce the site's electricity bill by £15,000.
Outside the UK, similar measures are being implemented in dealerships across Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, USA, Australia, Japan and South Korea.
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