Commercial, Demand Management, Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency - October 3, 2016
Toyota opens 1st net zero energy auto dealership
Photo: Solar panels installed at Toyota's Corvallis, Ore. dealership, alongside the dealership's owners and employees. Courtesy of Toyota USA.
Toyota Motor Corp. has opened what it expects to be the world's first certified net zero energy auto dealership, the company said Sept. 30.
The dealership, which had its grand opening Sept. 29, is located in Corvallis, Ore. In order to achieve net zero energy status, which means that at the end of the year the building has produced more power than it used, Toyota of Corvallis will collect solar energy through photovoltaic panels and return any unused energy into the local power grid.
That power will help offset local power demands at peak usage periods, Toyota said in a news release. Other sustainable aspects of the project include water harvesting to irrigate the landscape; radiant floor heating; and geothermal heating and cooling to regulate the temperature of the building.
"Toyota is focused on being a leader in environmental sustainment through our development of hybrid and fuel cell technologies, the creation of energy efficient facilities and our commitment to support philanthropic organizations that address environmental issues," Toyota Motor Sales regional manager Steve Haag said in a statement. "We applaud Toyota of Corvallis for setting a positive example and creating a first-of-its-kind template for the auto dealership of the future."
Construction of the facility was built to adhere to LEED Platinum standards, as recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. The building's architect, Gensler, is overseeing data collection to help ensure the dealership's certifications.
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