The Greenest Gas Station In The Nation

The Greenest Gas Station In The Nation


A number of people ask how the Green Business League could certify a gas station of all things.  After all, they deal in petroleum products, you know?  This is a good question, but let’s take a look as the ideology of Green Business League.   Simply stated, the basic concept is that “The environmental crisis is a universal problems that requires universal participation.”  The concept rings true, but can it be that inclusive?

Lets first point out that there is no 100% environmentally compliant company.  So, we are really talking about improved performance rather than perfection.  This opens the door to any number of businesses even though they may seem unlikely candidates.  The CITGO gas station in Deerfield, Illinois was a very progressive operation.  Owner, David Welch, had been working on Greening up his business before meeting Izzy Kharasch, a Certified Green Consultant, but found an ally in his quest to be a serious Green business and community leader for the environmental cause.

David employs a variety of energy saving ideas to cut his energy bill including a timer that shuts off equipment when the store is closed.  In the picture provided, this CITGO station captures the rainwater from the roof which is then used to irrigate the xeriscaped greenery that now enhanced the landscape of the gas station.  Inside his store, David has a section dedicated to Green products from his clients, and of course he proudly displays the Green Business League certification seal on his door, but has even placed the logo on the water collection barrels of this store.

To promote a greater Green awareness, David has announced a “Go Green, Get Green Scholarship” program that targets juniors and seniors in local schools.  David offers a combination of cash prizes and gas cards for Deerfield High School students can obtain a card that is punched at every visit.  Completed cards are deposited for the drawing, and the message is that Going Green has rewards.  Embedding environmental values into the upcoming generation is one of the best ideas we have seen in any business.

Gasoline is a commodity that can be used well or used badly.  The community is better off in many ways because of the example that is being lived out every day at the Deerfield CITGO gas station.  David reports an increase in traffic by area resident who will actually go out of their way to do business at a Green gas station. 

The fundamental issue is that every business takes ownership of the environmental crisis concerns and that steps are taken to make progress at every level.  There should be no business excluded from the Green program, and the Deerfield CITGO gas station has proven to be a stellar example of environmental commitment.  The Green Business League can help any business earn a Green business certification that recognizes environmental advancement.  Give them a call.

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