We are proud to announce that BMW of Reading was awarded the 2023 National Sustainability award for Circularity from BMW of North America!
At BMW of Reading, our philosophy is straightforward: take meaningful action to better our planet. Nestled in the culturally vibrant but economically challenged city of Reading, PA, we're committed to being a force for good in our community.
Our BMW Center maintains a minimal footprint while embracing the aesthetics and ecological advantages of lush plants and landscaping. We operate on the principle that a well-kept front lawn serves not just us, but the entire neighborhood.
Five years ago, our growing business required expansion, from vehicle delivery and prep to service bay and office functions. Rather than build anew, we opted to revitalize and renovate a 250,000-square-foot former brass factory less than a mile away. By doing so, we halved the carbon footprint compared to constructing a new facility.
Our dedication to sustainability doesn't stop there. Nothing we own goes to waste; everything is reused, recycled, or repurposed. From old showrooms to parts mezzanines and even the sinks, we practice a zero-landfill policy. Our Auto Park is a living, breathing entity that actively fights against CO2 emissions, thanks to carbon-absorbing plants. Some even finding homes in repurposed HVAC tubing in our reconditioning center.
To combat the chill of Pennsylvania winters, we heat our expansive facility entirely using waste oil from our oil changes. Our recently expanded 15-bay service center is fully equipped for the electric car revolution, and we use eco-friendly technologies in our body prep shop.
Acknowledging that our Auto Group annually distributes over 10,000 plastic bottles of spring water to our customers, we've opted to produce our own environmentally friendly boxed spring water. Aligned with our sustainability commitment, we package this refreshing treat in eco-conscious cardboard cartons for visitors to enjoy on-site and take home, thereby promoting both a healthier lifestyle and environmental awareness. We then repurpose the empty water boxes as planters for red maple saplings, which we offer freely to customers and anyone interested. Sip, Sip, Hooray!
In an extraordinary initiative, we've integrated an Aquaponics Farm into our premises, transforming vestiges of industrial revolution pollution into a sustainable food solution. Harvest Moon Aquaponics Farm infuses agricultural charm and sustainability to allow visitors to take home fresh lettuce and other vegetables grown right here, thereby championing the values of agriculture, family, and love. Whereas in winter, fresh vegetables used to travel 3,000 miles from Arizona to Pennsylvania, now we only need to cover a mere 3 feet to harvest our delectable vegetables. Any surplus from our bountiful harvest is generously donated to local food banks.
We recognize that communities fundamentally yearn for two essential qualities: a clean and safe environment. To substantially advance the first, we've acquired our own Global G3 Street Sweeper. This not only helps to maintain the cleanliness of our 18th Ward neighborhood but also crucially eliminates microplastics from the streets, which otherwise would drain directly into the Schuylkill River.
We are also launching an innovative initiative: a prototype neighborhood watch program made up of our own BMW of Reading co-workers. This effort aims to fast-track our mission of building a secure and vigilant community. Our “Knight Rider Bike Team”, which is trained and supervised by two Reading Police Officers, will take to the streets on BMW pedal-assisted electric bikes. This consistent on-the-ground presence will significantly elevate community safety. Furthermore, it fosters opportunities for closer engagement with our neighbors, thereby strengthening our communal bonds and unity.
Our journey towards sustainability and community building is far from over! So, what's next on our horizon? For starters, when we reroofed our facility, we intentionally left the superstructure in place to pave the way for future solar panel installation-a task we'll be commencing soon. While it would have been easy to remove the superstructure, we saw its potential for a greener future.
In addition, we're exploring the possibility of expanding our Harvest Moon Aquaponics Farm into an unused room. The envisioned 8,000 square-foot space with 10 stacked trays could functionally equate to a 4-acre outdoor farm!
We stand as an embodiment of what a thriving third-generation family-owned business can achieve when passion and dedication are at its core. Our mission is not only to build a profitable business but also to contribute to a healthier community and a more sustainable future, ensuring a legacy that spans generations.”
23 окт 2023
