FORT WALTON BEACH – Preston Hood Chevrolet was selected today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a recipient of the 2009 Energy Star Small Business Award. The Fort Walton Beach dealership is one of only seven small businesses in the country to be recognized by the U.S. Government-sponsored Energy Star program for effective energy-management practices and innovative efficiency solutions.

 

Preston Hood Chevrolet, which marks its 40th anniversary of operation on the Emerald Coast this year, began its in-house, energy-saving program a year and a half ago, with the launch of the employee-based PHC Green Team. Owner Preston Hood, general manager Taylor Hood and the PHC Green Team members focused on significantly reducing the dealership’s greenhouse gas emissions through their program.

 

“Changing the way a company does business after 40 years is a challenge, to be sure, but Preston Hood Chevrolet has a legacy of being a committed community partner, and we felt starting this energy-saving program was the right thing to do for the area we call home,” said Taylor Hood.

 

“To be one of only seven small businesses in the country to receive the Energy Star Award is not only an honor, but it is also a recognition of the quality employees we have at Preston Hood Chevrolet. Our team members, many who have been here 10 or even 20 years, put this program in motion and dedicated themselves daily to making it work. We could not be any prouder of our staff for stepping up to the challenge to make a real difference,” Hood added.

 

Included in the group’s initial, basic efforts to increase energy efficiency were decreasing light bulbs, rewiring fixtures for reduced wattage usage by 50 percent and maximizing natural light and adjusting the indoor temperature.

 

As the program progressed, the dealership installed electrical receptacle seals, photocell sunrise/sunset controls on exterior lights, energy-efficient exit signs, occupancy sensors for interior lighting in restrooms and storage areas and automatic door closers on all pedestrian doors. And only Energy Star-rated equipment and appliances were purchased, including four air conditioning and heating units. As well, nine gas heaters were replaced in the service and collision center, resulting in a gas cost savings of 34 percent, or approximately $7,000.

 

A recycling program to reduce the dealership’s carbon footprint was also put in place, to recycle plastics and aluminum, white paper and ink cartages, refuse, plastics, metals and cardboard.

 

In 2008, Preston Hood Chevrolet saw a 12 percent, or $16,000 drop, in electric costs. While this year-over-year savings is impressive, the dealership anticipates that its Energy Star efforts will bring at least an additional 12 percent, or $12,000 decrease in energy costs by the close of 2009.

"EPA is pleased to recognize Preston Hood Chevrolet for its leadership in addressing global warming through greater energy efficiency," said Kathleen Hogan, director of EPA’s Climate Protection Partnership Division. "As a small business, they are showing their community that everyone can play a role in protecting the health of our planet."

According to EPA, this year’s award winning organizations reduced their annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from the average electricity use of more than 80 homes. The winners also demonstrated that improving energy efficiency is an effective low-cost solution, even in the face of significantly expanded operations. Financial savings for this year’s winners totaled more than $180,000 in annual costs.

 

Complete details on Preston Hood Chevrolet’s energy saving efforts, as well as the efforts of other winners can be found at www.energystar.gov/smallbiz and clicking on “Award Winners.”

 

Preston Hood Chevrolet has a legacy of superior customer service and a true commitment to the Fort Walton Beach, Fla. community it has called home since 1969. Preston Hood, a third-generation auto dealer, opened the doors to his business when the Emerald Coast area of Northwest Florida was still a best-kept beach lovers’ secret. As the area has grown dramatically, the business, which has withstood the test of time for four decades, has been a cornerstone of support and involvement to the area through the giving of time, talents and funds. Today, Preston Hood works side by side with his son Taylor, who serves as the company’s general manager. Together, the two men steer a 13-member management team, which has an average employment tenure of 18 years.

The dealership, situated on nine and a half acres of land, features a large showroom, offering many of the latest GM products to the area, a previously owned division, and a service and collision center. Preston Hood Chevrolet also hosts a commercial Web site that has been lauded by Chevrolet as one of the brand’s best. For more information on Preston Hood Chevrolet, please go to www.prestonhood.com or call (850) 220-2407.

 

ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2008 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved about $19 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million vehicles.