Keith GM in Okotoks, 10 km south of Calgary, is driving the latest innovation in green building practices. The Pontiac Buick GMC dealer has made a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint with a new, state of the art, hybrid building that combines advanced green technologies with traditional backup systems. The green technologies include geothermal heating and air conditioning, solar panels, water conservation technologies, supplementary insulation and electrical efficiency.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems: By using the earth as an energy reservoir, Keith GM, along with renewable energy specialist, React Energy, designed and installed the vertical, closed loop geothermal system for the new dealership. Geothermal technology lowers energy consumption during heating cycles by 25-50%, and cooling by 25-30%.

After more than two years of planning and construction, Keith GM opened at its new location on Monday, March 16, 2009. Keith GM President Davis Edels says he made the financial commitment to build a state-of-the art facility not only to reduce the dealership’s carbon footprint, but also mirror Okotoks’ world renowned commitment to the environment. Okotoks has gained this reputation through its innovative approach to a sustainable community. The solar-powered Drake Landing subdivision is located in Okotoks; it is the first of its kind in North America. “The enjoyable part for me”, says Edels, “is that we can look our customers in the eye and tell them that we have done everything possible to be good environmental citizens. We are anxious to show our buyers that, even though the auto industry is in the middle of a restructuring period, we are still responsible corporate citizens doing the right thing”.

General Motors of Canada Limited offers more vehicles that get 7L/100km, (40mpg), or better highway fuel consumption than any other automaker. GM Canada has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 42% since 1990; more than any other automaker with manufacturing facilities in Canada. Read more about the GM Program, Green by Design.

Tours: Dealership staff will happily provide tours of the hybrid building’s green technologies for individuals or groups. To arrange a convenient tour time, call (403) 938-7874. Visit our contact page for map and directions.

Proudly an Okotoks based business for 30 years, Keith GM has been a strong financial supporter of the community and is now an exemplary environmental citizen. Not surprisingly, this conscientious company has an above average number of long term customers and employees due to a caring, family atmosphere.

Contacts:

Davis Edels, President, or Marc Rachiele, General Manager
Keith Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd.
101 Northgate Drive, (corner of Hwy#2A & 338th. Ave.)
Canada