Cox Automotive Presents Leader in Sustainability Award to BMW of Ramsey

Lithia Motors Inc. dealership recognized for initiatives reducing their environmental footprint

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Jan 25, 2019, 16:00 ET

ATLANTA, Jan. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive presented its annual Leader in Sustainability Award to BMW of Ramsey, a Lithia Motors Inc. dealership in Ramsey, New Jersey.

The Cox Automotive Leader in Sustainability Award recognizes a dealership for outstanding in-dealership sustainability programs related to waste reduction, energy or water conservation, with a focus on innovation, creativity and engagement with its employees and the community. The award was presented by Cox Automotive President Sandy Schwartz during NADA Show 2019 in San Francisco.

BMW of Ramsey (New Jersey) wins 2019 Cox Automotive Leader in Sustainability Award.

"Cox Automotive is proud to recognize BMW of Ramsey for raising the bar on sustainability standards and implementing practices that make a difference," said Schwartz. "It's great to see this level of commitment to community and the environment by one of the largest dealerships in the country."

BMW of Ramsey is bringing to life the original owner's vision of running a dealership that the community can be proud of. In addition to participating in numerous community service projects, the dealership focuses on conservation and recycling.

BMW of Ramsey uses eco-friendly lighting both inside and outside the dealership. With rooftop solar panels, exterior LED lights and auto shutoff lights, the dealership saves approximately $30,000 a year in energy cost and saves 193,449 kilowatt hours of energy per year. These energy initiatives result in offsetting 151 tons of carbon annually which is equivalent to burning 150,000 pounds of coal. In addition, an energy recovery ventilation system maximizes energy efficiency throughout the 100,000-square-foot dealership.

In addition to conserving energy, the dealership conserves water by washing cars with reclaimed water. This method saves thousands of gallons of water during the year.

The recycling program at BMW of Ramsey engages both employees and customers. Recycling containers are located throughout the dealership which encourages recycling paper, cans, bottles and cardboard. Additionally, the dealership encourages staff to only print documents when necessary.

"Our relationship with the community is what makes our dealership so successful," said Matthew Bibbo, general manager, BMW of Ramsey. "We appreciate Cox Automotive recognizing our efforts to create an eco-friendly, progressive dealership by awarding us the Cox Automotive Leaders in Sustainability Award. This award celebrates our commitment to running an environmentally-conscious business that has a positive impact on our community."

For leadership in promoting green business practices and making a difference through community service, BMW of Ramsey will receive $10,000 to fund a sustainability project, as well as receive an energy audit from the Cox Conserves team.

As a part of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive is committed to doing business the right way, not just the easy way. That means continuously working to reduce the company's environmental impact through the national sustainability program, Cox Conserves.

Watch this video to learn more about how BMW of Ramsey is embracing sustainability: https://vimeo.com/313273965/be3d6dfd78

For more information on the Cox Automotive Leader in Sustainability Award, visit: https://www.coxautoinc.com/about-us/community/leader-sustainability-award/.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling and owning cars easier for everyone. The global company's 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader^®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com^®, Dealertrack^®, Kelley Blue Book^®, Manheim^®, NextGear Capital^®, VinSolutions^®, vAuto^® and Xtime^®,are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

About Cox Conserves
Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 60,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

The company's sustainability goals are to send zero waste to landfill by 2024 and become carbon and water neutral by 2044. The company also presents the Cox Conserves Sustainability Survey, a nationwide survey that examines sustainability opportunities and challenges for small and medium-sized businesses.

SOURCE Cox Automotive