WINTER HAVEN, United States – Jarrett-Gordon Ford Lincoln is one of only three dealerships in the country chosen by Ford Motor Company to take part in a “green initiative” pilot program. Ford Motor Company’s commitment to contributing to a better world further expanded with the announcement of the ‘Go Green’ Dealership Sustainability Program launched February of 2010 at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention.

As part of the partnership with Ford Motor Company and the Rocky Mountain Institute, Jarrett-Gordon Ford Lincoln became the first dealership to complete the energy-efficient renovations.

Community members and members of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce will gathered at the newly renovated dealership and participate in self-guided tours to learn more about the green renovations that have been completed since the construction began in January 2010.

The goal of the program was to implement cost-effective ways to improve the energy-efficiency of dealer facilities, resulting in a long-term reduction in the individual dealership’s carbon footprint as well as overall operating costs.

"The biggest benefit of the green project was access to the technologies to reduce our carbon footprint," said Brian Jarrett president of Jarrett Ford. "We have already experienced significant energy savings and through these technologies we will further decrease the use of fossil fuels, electricity and the consumption of water. We feel great about reducing the overall impact on our environment.”

The dealer has reduced its carbon footprint in the following ways: installed solar tubes in every office using natural lighting instead of electric, new energy efficient air conditioning equipment, a hyper insulated roof with white wrapped coating to reflect the sunlight/heat away and re-purpose captured rain water, and occupancy sensors and a lighting control panel to minimize use of electric lighting when needed.

“In keeping with Ford’s commitment to the environment, this program is a great fit for our dealers because it provides a variety of energy-efficient improvement options regardless of the current age and design of the facility,” says Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “This allows dealers the opportunity to participate in improving the energy efficiency of their facility and gives them flexibility in making choices that are right for them and their dealership.”