"Dealers recognize the advantages and opportunities of building green," says Jimmy Carchietta LEED AP, Founder & CEO, The Cotocon Group a New York based Green Building Specialist.

"Research shows that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of businesses in their community that are taking a leadership role in addressing environmental issues. It makes good business sense to dealers who will re-coup their investment through energy savings, while decreasing their environmental impact."

Gabe Vigorito, Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram (Amityville, New York), was the first auto dealership in the State to be registered with the USGBC shooting for Gold LEED certification (Security Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram).

In addition, are completing construction and are undergoing the LEED certification process.

The USGBC is a non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices. It provides various levels of LEED certification based on evaluations in such areas as sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The USGBC reports that 48 percent of the nation's energy used by buildings, including 70 percent of the nation's electric use.

To achieve Gold certification status, Security Dodge made extensive use of recycled and energy-saving materials. For instance, used motor oil heating

The landscape itself consists of native plants, trees and grasses that are drought and disease-resistant. The roof is made of materials that reflect 90 percent of the sun's heat energy.

"Once we decided to do a green dealership, we decided to stretch the envelope and go for the Gold," said Gabe Vigorito, owner of Security Dodge. "We hope to play a leadership role in building environmental awareness in the community and to be a place where customers come to learn about the automotive advances to improve environmental quality."

The distinctive entryway uses Low-E glass and shades the showroom from direct sunlight. Daylighting Controlled lighting is used rather than incandescent and standard fluorescent lights to further reduce energy use.

By nature I’m a bit skeptical about green businesses; even with certification it’s easy for a company to do the bare minimum to say they tried and then go about their business same as always. But never have I seen a business that goes to the extremes that Gabe Vigorito and his family have gone to with this dealership. This isn’t a marketing ploy with them, but a serious commitment. Quotes “Jimmy Carchietta LEED AP”.

It’s hard to know where to start but let me tell you right off the bat you haven’t lived until you walked into a men’s room and start taking pictures of the high tech dual flush toilets. The cabinets, like the cabinets throughout the facility, are made of recycled content. The lights turn on and off automatically when you enter the room (a feature also common to all rooms in the facility) and the electronically controlled water saving water faucets. Even the tile accents are made from recycled glass bottles.

The lobby is even more amazing. No VOC paints are used so there is no new car showroom smell. Furniture, cabinetry, wallpaper, even the floor mats are made from recycled and sustainable products. The lighting in the showroom senses when the room is lit by sunlight flowing in through the massive windows and automatically dims the lights to save power. Windows provide natural lighting even in the climate controlled service areas, and the bay doors open and close within 8 seconds to save energy.

The service bays and the parts department are connected by computer so that when a mechanic needs a part there are no forms or invoices to be filled out; In fact as much of the dealership communication that can be conducted paperless is.

Outside, the landscaping consists entirely of native plants. By using native plants, the amount of water, fertilizer, and pest control products used are greatly reduced.

This is a place that you must come visit; our expenses are low so we can sell more affordably to our Customers quotes; “John Vigorito Sr.” please come visit us for your next auto need!

With everything from service, part sales, new and used vehicles, we offer a variety to our consumer that is unsurpassed.

Sincerely,

The Security Dodge Team,

Your number #1 Five Star Dealer