Stewardship of the environment and commitment to the communities in which we work have long been fundamental to Cox Enterprises’ DNA. Starting first with publishing on recycled newsprint in the 1970s to small energy-savings measures at office locations to the creation of Cox Conserves, Cox is dedicated to reducing our impact on the natural world and inspiring our employees, customers, suppliers and partners to do the same.

It was these principles that inspired Cox Automotive to create the Leader in Sustainability Award three years ago, recognizing a dealership for outstanding community contributions and in-dealership sustainability programs.

While sustainability might not seem synonymous with car dealership, this year’s recipient of the award, Motorcars Honda, has proven that going green and being a successful auto dealer are not mutually exclusive.

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Motorcars Honda is the country’s first ever carbon-neutral dealership. Through extensive emissions reductions and carbon offsets, as well as water conservation and waste minimization efforts, Motorcars Honda is offsetting the footprint not only of their building, operations vehicles, and employees’ cars, but of all of the inventory sold on their lot.

The crown jewel of the initiative is the dealership’s 240-panel solar canopy, the largest singular solar panel structure at a car dealership in the country. Its beams are constructed of 80% recycled car steel, and the array generates 50-70% of the business’s energy needs. In addition, Motorcars Honda uses a state-of-the-art heating and air conditioning system, recycled water in their Rainforest Car Wash, and a staff and customer recycling program.

Staying true to their sustainability mission beyond the lot, the dealership encourages employees to volunteer throughout the year with initiatives such as Earth Day Coalition, Green City Blue Lake and Organic and Urban Farming. They also participate in various community events, like hosting a solar car derby in 2016 where they donated and distributed over 150 solar panel car kits to local community families to assemble and decorate to race and learn about sustainability and solar energy.

While all of these efforts help the business grow while reducing expenses, it’s less about revenue and more about Motorcars Honda’s commitment to the Cleveland community by being responsible stewards of the environment. There’s a real sense of civic pride in the dealership’s sustainability initiatives, one that imbues their culture, and helps to inspire high praise from customers and employees alike.

For their leadership in promoting green business practices and making a difference through community service, Motorcars Honda will receive $10,000 to fund a sustainability project, as well as an energy audit from the Cox Conserves team.