ATLANTA -

Cox Automotive presented its third annual Leader in Sustainability Award to Motorcars Honda this past week.

The award, which was given out at the at the 2017 Automotive News Best Dealerships to Work For celebration, honors dealerships that promote green business practices and make a difference through community service.

The dealership will receive $10,000 to fund a sustainability project, as well as an energy audit from the Cox Conserves team.

“At Cox, being good stewards of the environment and inspiring others to protect our national resources is in our DNA,” said Joe George, Manheim senior vice president of vehicle advantage. “Motorcars Honda is a wonderful example of conservation commitment in action, and we’re excited to celebrate their success with the Cox Automotive Leader in Sustainability Award.”

Cox Automotive said it has recognized Motorcars Honda for its conservation efforts surrounding carbon, water and waste.

In addition to implementing a recycling program designed to encourage staff and customers to limit waste, the dealership installed the largest singular solar array of any dealership that generates 50 to 70 percent of the store’s energy needs.

Motorcars Honda is the first carbon-neutral dealership in the world, according to Cox Automotive.

Additionally, the dealership also uses recycled water in their Rainforest Car Wash to conserve water.

“Like our team at Motorcars Honda, Cox Automotive understands that every step we take today toward conservation helps shape a better future for our children and our communities,” said Chuck Gile, owner of Motorcars Honda. “We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment and inspire change in our employees and neighbors.”

Just last year, the dealership hosted a Solar Car Derby, where participants competed for the chance to win an iPad mini.

During the event, Motorcars Honda donated and distributed over 150 solar panel car kits to local community families. Children built and decorated their own solar panel cars to race, while also learning about sustainability, according to Cox Automotive.