Toyota of Corvallis, Oregon, claims it is on schedule to be the world’s first Certified Net Zero Energy Auto Dealership. During the next 14 months, Gensler, architect of the new building, will oversee data collection to help ensure this certification becomes a reality. Construction of the facility was also built to adhere to LEED Platinum standards, as recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. Toyota of Corvallis will join a handful of the 1500 Toyota dealerships nationwide if it receives Platinum certification.
Net Zero Energy means that at the end of the year the building has produced more power than it used. Toyota of Corvallis will collect solar energy through photo-voltaic panels and return any unused energy into the local power grid. That power will help offset local power demands at peak usage periods.
“We applaud Toyota of Corvallis for setting a positive example and creating a first-of-its-kind template for the auto dealership of the future,” said Steve Haag, Toyota Motor Sales regional manager.
Other sustainable aspects of the project include water harvesting to irrigate the landscape, radiant floor heating, and geothermal heating and cooling to regulate the temperature of the building.
Haag presented Toyota of Corvallis owners Steve and Barbara Jackson with a traditional Japanese Katana sword as part of the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday. Dealership general manager Chip Edwards and representatives from both Toyota and Gensler were also in attendance.
Toyota of Corvallis began selling vehicles in 1970 as John & Phil’s Toyota. When owner Phil Doud decided to retire in early 2013, Steve and his wife Barbara purchased the dealership. In 2014, construction began on the new facility. Steve and Barbara own another Toyota dealership in Texas, Toyota of Rockwall, which was certified as a LEED Gold dealership in 2008.
