In the rapidly changing world, environmental consciousness and responsibility are paramount. As the population grows and industrialization expands, the global water demand escalates to alarming levels. Businesses in the dealership and service and maintenance of vehicles sector face increasing pressure to conserve water. It is essential to recognize the critical role played by water conservation in sustainable business practices. In today’s time, it has become imperative to proactively reduce water usage, meet regulatory requirements, and contribute to global sustainability goals. At Globe Toyota, we stand at the forefront of this movement by taking proactive measures to conserve water and reiterate our commitment to environmental stewardship within the larger industry.
CHALLENGES OF WATER SUSTAINABILITY IN THE AUTO DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE INDUSTRY:
The auto dealership and service and maintenance industry faces several challenges when it comes to water consumption:
- Demand for Water: By the nature of the business, dealerships and service centres require large amounts of water for their operations. Activities like vehicle washing, cooling systems, equipment maintenance, and domestic consumption of water create a high demand that can strain the local water resources, especially in areas where drought-like conditions persist. On average, a car wash requires 180 litres of water. However, Toyota’s Eco-Wash car service consumes just about 5% of the water as compared to traditional car wash. The Eco car wash method offers several benefits. It helps reduce water consumption and prevents soil contamination that often arises with the use of chemical products in conventional vehicle wash.
- Quality of Water: When it comes to tasks like vehicle washing and cooling systems, the quality of the water affects the performance and outcomes. It is essential to maintain water quality by implementing additional filtration and treatment measures. This makes the process more complex and adds to the costs of operations. For example, in traditional car washing soft water is required to uphold service quality. Impurities, sediment, and minerals in substandard quality water would bind to the chemicals used in car washing and lead to a significant loss in the quality of the service. A water treatment plant adds to the cost of operations.
- Regulatory Compliances and Environmental Impact: There must be strict adherence to the regulatory requirements when it comes to water consumption as well as the discharge of wastewater. If there is failure to comply with the regulations, it may result in fines and penalties, loss of license, and damage to the brand’s reputation. Improper water management has an adverse impact on the environment- water pollution, habitat destruction, and ecosystem degradation. It is essential to minimize environmental impact while maintaining the standards of operational efficiency. For eg. The National Water Policy of 2012 calls for recycle and reuse of water, a refund for properly treated water, and heavy fines for polluted effluents.
- Seasonal Variability: Water consumption patterns fluctuate seasonally. Hot weather conditions require more water; industrial and domestic water usage at dealerships and service and maintenance centres increases substantially in the summer months. In India, unreliable monsoon seasons also affect the availability of water. These fluctuations require effective planning of water usage and water practices which is quite challenging and requires flexibility, planning, and adaptability.
- Increased Costs: There is a significant cost involved for water consumption in dealerships and service centres. Procuring water requires significant funds depending on the water resources available. Implementation of water conservation measures also requires investments that might only show returns in the long term. Technology and infrastructure upgrades, employee training and upskilling, and water management facilities all require financial planning and prioritization.
Addressing these challenges not only requires technical expertise but also a holistic approach towards environmental stewardship. By proactively managing water consumption and implementing sustainable practices, the dealership and service industry can manage to mitigate risks and reduce operational costs while contributing towards a responsible and sustainable future.
POSSIBLE MEASURES:
By implementing the below strategies, auto dealerships demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and inspire positive change:
- Dry Wash Campaigns: Dry washing campaigns involve cleaning vehicles without using copious amounts of water. Instead of traditional water-based washing, dry wash techniques utilize specialized products such as waterless car wash sprays that remove dirt, grime, and contaminants from the vehicle’s surface. By eliminating the need for water-intensive washing this method conserves a significant amount of water. These dry-wash products are designed to minimize runoff and prevent harmful chemicals from entering water bodies.
- Low-Flow Fixtures and Equipment: A low-flow fixture is a water-saving plumbing fixture designed to achieve water savings by having a lower flow rate of water. Low-flow fixtures reduce water usage by at least 20% compared to standard fixtures. Lower water consumption translates to reduced utility bills for auto dealerships. This method of low-flow fixtures in faucets, showerheads, and toilets uses significantly less water compared to conventional fixtures.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for various purposes. Auto dealerships can capture rainwater from rooftops, parking lots, and other surfaces. This water can be used for landscaping and irrigation as well as domestic use with proper treatment.
- Methods:
- Catchment- This method helps to collect rainwater from rooftops and direct it to storage tanks or reservoirs.
- Conveyance System- In this method they transport harvested water to designated areas where it gets collected for reuse.
- Filtering- This method helps to remove pollutants and debris from collected rainwater.
- Storage Tanks- Once this water gets filtered then it is ready to store and use.
- Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP): Effluent Treatment Plant is a process engineered to manage and treat industrial wastewater for either reuse or safe disposal into the environment. This system operates in compliance with environmental regulations and purifies industrial effluents by eliminating hazardous pollutants. This helps to mitigate ecological footprint and plays an important role in promoting sustainable water practices.
GLOBE TOYOTA’S EFFORTS FOR WATER SUSTAINABILITY
As a leading auto dealership, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint. We have implemented a range of water conservation strategies to minimize impact on water resources while setting new standards for sustainability.
- Rainwater Harvesting: We have invested in state of-the-art rainwater harvesting systems across our dealership facilities. This system captures rainwater runoff from rooftops and paved surfaces, storing it for various non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation and vehicle washing. Since implementing rainwater harvesting systems, we have reduced reliance on municipal water sources by 40%, resulting in significant cost savings and a measurable decrease in water consumption.
- Efficient Irrigation Practices: Recognizing the importance of responsible water use in landscaping, we have adopted efficient irrigation practices. This includes the use of a drip irrigation system, soil moisture sensors, and native plantings to minimize water waste and optimize irrigation efficiency. By transitioning to efficient irrigation practices, we have reduced outdoor water usage by 30% compared to conventional irrigation methods, while maintaining lush and attractive landscaping throughout its facilities.
- Water-Efficient Fixtures and Equipment: We have upgraded our facilities with water-efficient fixtures and equipment, including low-flow faucets, toilets, and dishwashers. These upgrades help to reduce water consumption in restroom facilities, service areas, and employee kitchens. The installation of water-efficient fixtures and equipment has led to a 25% reduction in water usage. This led to resulting in tangible cost savings and a more sustainable model.
- Continuous Monitoring and Optimization: To ensure the effectiveness of water conservation efforts, we conduct regular monitoring and optimization of water usage. This includes tracking water consumption data, conducting audits, and implementing targeted efficiency measures to further reduce waste. Through continuous monitoring and optimization, we have achieved a cumulative water savings of over 50 million gallons since the implementation of its water conservation initiatives, underscoring the dealership’s commitment to sustainable resource management.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the exploration of the link between sustainable practices and water conservation highlights the critical role businesses play in addressing environmental challenges. Through innovative strategies and proactive measures, organizations like ours demonstrate how sustainable practices can effectively mitigate water scarcity while promoting ecological balance. As we continue to witness the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility, it becomes evident that prioritizing water conservation not only preserves vital resources but also fosters long-term sustainability and resilience. By embracing sustainable practices , businesses not only contribute to a healthier planet but also pave the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come.
