I'm seeing more and more news reports on the Web about this shop or that shop going "green," or transitioning to environmentally-friendly business practices. In fact, the frequency of these reports has increased significantly, which is encouraging. It's also encouraging that these shops are getting the message out and marketing themselves with official press releases. After all, after undergoing such a drastic change in your business, why wouldn't you announce it to the world and use it as a marketing tool?
With insurance companies steering like crazy, shops that have seen their business get cut in half are looking for ways to make themselves stand out from the competition. They're looking for innovative ways to market to the actual customer, the vehicle owner. Becoming certified to repair Mercedes or BMW isn't an option for everyone given the expense and all the hoops you have to jump through. Going "green," however, is a great way of differentiating yourself.
I don't see this as a fad that's going to go away anytime soon. The planet looks like it's hurting, and the average everyday consumer is seeing this, too. Consumers now go out of their way to patronize businesses that are trying minimize their eco-footprint.
Some shops are simply converting to waterborne paint, which contains less Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) than solventborne paint. Others are taking the green approach a step further by using:
• Ultraviolet curing body fillers and primers that reduce or eliminate the use of solvents.
• Multi-stage dust filters in controlled work environments.
• Ceiling filters to trap dust that would otherwise escape through the roof into the air.
• Recycling and/or proper disposal of all paint waste and dismantled car parts.
• Biodegradable soap when washing cars. Also, high-pressure wash systems that use minimal amounts of water. And runoff water is filtered before it goes into the proper drains.
There's an an official certification as a green business to be had in some parts of the country. Typically, the business has to prove it recycles all paper, glass and plastic products, uses energy efficient lighting, etc.
Have you gone green yet? It may part of the answer to standing out and surviving in an increasingly hostile market.