Unlikely Crusader

Joachim Neumann

autowestbmw.com

President, Auto West BMW

photo by Jaime Kowal

With its green roof, rainwater capturing system, geothermal temperature regulation, and extensive recycling program, you might think Joachim Neumann’s business has more to do with resource management or sustainability services and less to do with… well, selling expensive new cars.

But while Joachim recognizes the inherent discord between selling cars and saving the environment, this only inspires him to do what he does in the most Earth-friendly way possible. Auto West BMW, in Richmond, is the result of this pragmatic venture.

At Auto West, the geothermal heating/cooling system alone will cut 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions from the 62,000-square-foot dealership this year. Rainwater irrigates the 1.5-hectare landscaped property, and the car-washing bays filter and reuse city water, cutting down on water consumption significantly.

Recycling is also a priority inside the building in the soon-to-be-paperless office. It seems the only really environmentally suspect thing at this dealership is the cars. “These are performance automobiles, not economy cars,” stresses Joachim. “But BMW will eventually offer a hydrogen-powered option on most models.”

In terms of sustainable initiatives in the automotive market, BMW is actually a pioneer: it earned the industry’s top spot on the Dow Jones Sustainability Group Index. It is the first—and so far the only—car manufacturer to commit to creating, and adhering to, internationally recognized environmental standards in production.

Joachim is the first to acknowledge there’s still a long way to go for auto retailing to become sustainable. “I’d really like to see a program for recycling packing materials and used warranty parts—but we’re working on it.”

When asked if his customers appreciate his $2-million investment in the environ-ment, Joachim sighs. “I’m not really sure. But it’s worth it to me.”

—Stephanie MacDonald