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NJ CAR Announces The New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program

May 05, 2009

The New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program (NJGARP) was launched last week, during Earth Week, to encourage all automotive repair facilities—including dealerships and independent repair facilities—to implement environmentally-friendly business practices and obtain certification as “green” businesses.The New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program (NJGARP) is a partnership between the New Jersey Automobile Club (AAA-NJ), the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR), the New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association (NJGCA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) designed to foster greater implementation of “green” practices within the automotive repair sector, and to promote greater recognition of these practices among the citizens of New Jersey.At the kickoff event on April 21, 2009, seven facilities (including three franchised automotive retailers) were awarded “New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program-certification” and recognition as “green” businesses (in alphabetical order):¨ AAA New Jersey Car Care Center (Springfield)¨ JD Automotive & Truck (Dover)¨ James Toyota (Flemington)¨ Liberty Hyundai (Mahwah)¨ Long Hill Auto (Millington)¨ Shade Tree Garage (Morristown)¨ Toyota of Morristown (Morristown)NJGARP committee members worked with the NJDEP to develop a checklist of “green” initiatives that automotive repair facilities can implement in an effort to become more environmentally responsible. Each “green” initiative a facility implements is assigned a point value. Repair shops must achieve a minimum of 300 points to qualify for—and maintain—New Jersey Green Automotive Repair Program-certification and “green” business recognition. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions attached to this NewsLetter or visit the Program’s Website at http://www.njgreenautorepair.org for more information and to download a copy of the checklist so you can conduct a self-evaluation.The 88-point checklist includes: pollution prevention and resource conservation measures; waste fluids management; energy and water conservation efforts; waste water reduction; recycling practices; and protection of customers and workers at the facility. Facilities must apply for recertification every two years, and NJGARP committee members will conduct on-site evaluations to determine if facilities continue to meet the specifications of the program to remain “green certified.”

How Does Your Facility Become A Certified “Green” Facility?There is no reason why every dealership in the State shouldn’t download the checklist and complete a self-assessment. It could be among the most valuable two-hours you’ve ever spent looking in virtually every corner of your facility’s operations.If your facility scores above 300 on the survey, you may voluntarily elect to pursue certification. This would require you to submit your completed survey, along with the required Application Fee (detailed on the Application Packet available at www.njgreenautorepair.org).Upon receipt of the completed Survey and Application Fee, the Council will review your survey for completeness and then schedule an on-site visit to verify the information you have provided. Following the on-site review, and depending upon the number of points actually scored by your facility, the Council will either award “green certification” or inform you of the reason(s) why certification cannot be awarded.Please visit the Program Website (www.njgreenautorepair.org) for more information.