OpenRoad Group, taking another step in its ongoing commitment to environmental, social and governance initiatives, has become a Green Economy Leader by joining Green Economy Canada.

The dealership group said its membership highlights its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and incorporating sustainability practices throughout its operations nationwide.

OpenRoad operates 39 retail locations and six collision centres in British Columbia, Ontario and Washington state in the U.S.

“We are always looking at ways to continue our ESG efforts at OpenRoad Group, and joining Green Economy Canada will further propel us forward,” executive vice president and chief financial officer Tahir Ayub said. “As a Green Economy Leader, our membership will provide us with access to guidance and tools to measure our business’s emissions, set reduction targets and develop and implement climate action plans to achieve our sustainability goals.”

Green Economy Canada leads a national network of more than 250 Green Economy Leaders throughout Canada with a mission to take action on climate change and demonstrate sustainability and good business go hand-in-hand.

OpenRoad said its environmental commitment includes “advancing environmental sustainability by incorporating sustainable transitions into daily activities while mitigating long-term climate-related risks.”

Its projects in the past year include:

  • Launching the Pollinators Project in May with OpenRoad’s first rooftop beehive at BMW Langley in Langley, B.C.
  • Partnering with the OpenRoad Foundation to create opportunities for company staff to participate in environmental endeavors, such as shoreline cleanup and food rescues, and donating $145,000 to local charities since 2023.
  • Implementing OpenRoad’s waste diversion program, including recycling and composting at all OpenRoad locations in Canada, with plans to set waste diversion targets in the near future.
  • Supporting One Tree Planted by planting more than 1,700 trees since 2023.

“By prioritizing environmental, social and governance principles, we aim to create sustainable value for both our dealerships and our broader communities,” OpenRoad environment, social and governance manager Shea Studler said. “Beyond our partnership with GEC, we are also keen on keeping sustainability at the forefront when working on construction and design for our dealerships.

“For example, OpenRoad Group’s new Honda Burnaby location was awarded Platinum at the recent Honda Green Dealer Awards. We also have solar panels at OpenRoad Toyota Richmond. We’re continuously working on ways to enhance and improve our dealerships’ sustainability efforts.”