McLEAN, Va. –

Seen as a tool to help dealerships reduce energy costs and protect the environment, the National Automobile Dealers Association is urging its members across the country to take a new survey on their energy usage at the dealership.

Based on the survey results, NADA officials said the Environmental Protection Agency will produce a 1-to-100 ENERGY STAR performance scale, which will allow dealerships to compare their energy use to other dealerships nationwide.

Dealerships with energy performance scores of 75 or higher will be eligible for an ENERGY STAR designation, receive national and local recognition through NADA’s Energy Stewardship Initiative with the EPA and learn additional ways to reduce energy use.

Since the NADA-EPA Energy Stewardship Initiative was launched in 2007, the association pointed out more than 800 dealerships have improved the efficiency of their facilities by reducing energy use by 10 percent or more annually.

NADA went on to emphasize dealership energy-reduction measures include investing in cutting-edge heating and cooling systems, using more efficient lighting and working smarter.

Association members can download the survey here. Officials contend it takes 30 minutes or less to fill out and must be completed and returned by July 15.

NADA stressed survey responses will be kept strictly confidential. 

“By joining this initiative and investing in energy efficiency, dealers across the country have shown their commitment to going green,” stated NADA chairman Stephen Wade.

“Improving the environment and reducing energy costs is a win-win,” Wade concluded.