P2: Auto Body Shop Energy Efficiency

The Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment "DfE Best Practices Outreach Kit," is as an excellent resource for auto body shops. The Kit contains best practices checklists for each auto refinish activity, fact sheets, case studies, health and safety information, lists of manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, and other useful information for shop owners and technicians.

Improve efficiency and comfort in buildings.

• Invest in insulation, weather-stripping and caulking.
• Burn waste oil in an approved burner.
• Use energy-efficient lighting, such as compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Keep the hot-water heater at 105 to 120 degrees F.
• Install voltage regulators.
  

Reduce energy costs from office equipment.

• Look for the Energy Star symbol when buying new equipment.
• Program electronic office equipment for sleep mode when not in use, and turn off equipment at night.
• Follow instructions on new energy-efficient systems to achieve best results.
• Consolidate printers to save energy, toner costs and paper.

Landscape with plants that use little water.

• Saves water and money.
• Helps control run-off from parking lot.
• Plant around air conditioning unit and water with condensation.

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