A BMW dealership in B.C. that bills itself as “Canada’s eco-friendly luxury dealership” took a big step forward to earn that reputation. Auto West BMW of Richmond, B.C. installed a 53 foot vertical-axis wind turbine, as its latest green initiative. They held an event to celebrate the new addition to their dealership’s lot.
They bought the turbine from Cleanfield Alternative Energy Inc., a sustainable energy technologies company that sells vertical-axis wind turbines and related products.
“The Cleanfield turbine will reduce Auto West’s reliance on utility grid electricity. This purchase demonstrates Auto West’s industry leadership in environmental responsibility,” says Tony Verrelli, Cleanfield’s CEO, Tony Verrelli. “As a very visible business in the public eye, this BMW dealership will help increase public awareness around environmental issues through its direct reduction of CO2 emissions and other harmful side effects associated with the use of fossil fuels.”
The dealership was also praised by Hadi Dowlatabadi, Canada Research Chair in Global Change at the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the University of British Columbia. “Auto West BMW is at the forefront of environmentally-aware businesses in our region. Their new premises are a showcase for efficiency and environmental sustainability in commercial buildings,” says Dowlatabadi.
Cleanfield focuses on the research, development and distribution of renewable energy solutions for the urban environment. The company owns proprietary inverter technologies, which it currently sells through a complete solution — a 3.5 kW vertical axis wind turbine. The company is also developing several advanced solar photovoltaic technologies with strategic partners.
Auto West BMW is part of the Auto West Group, with more than 180 team members in three locations: Auto West BMW, MINI Richmond, and Auto West Infiniti. You can visit them online at: http://autowest.bmw.ca/ca/autowest/en/index.html
