Green

Hybrids are green by design, so is Luscious Garage.

Cars are dirty. Mechanics have the dirty job of fixing them. If we do our jobs properly, the car will be less harmful to the public health than when it first came in. But what is the impact from the shop itself? What is the occupational hazard in serving the machine or the shop?

Room For Improvement

Enter the hybrid, and enter Luscious Garage. San Francisco’s Clean and Green Certification is our baseline; we aim from there. Our plan for sustainability, based on The Natural Step, is being written by an auto technician with a MSLS Masters from Blekinge (where The Natural Step was conceived).

In The Office

Our online administration (Hyspace) eliminates piles of paper and toner. Remaining supplies come from The Green Office; furniture is second-hand. Other green suppliers and services have favored nation status (a current list is forthcoming).

Shop and Office

We buy and maintain only energy-efficient appliances, purchasing second-hand when possible. We recycle everything we possibly can—all fluids, metal, packaging, and parts (thanks EcoHaul and Evergreen Environmental)—working with suppliers towards a zero-waste goal. We buy parts and supplies locally (whenever possible) and in bulk, minimizing packaging and shipping. We keep things clean and organized with forethought and human attention, not with plastic, toxic chemicals, or cleaning devices that plug into the wall.

In The Shop

We do not spoil cars with disposable items, excess fluids, gratuitous parts, or chemicals. We advocate services that keep the car on the road as long as possible and with the least environmental impact—be it from carbon, toxics, or trash. Some things have no renewable alternative, for the car (like gasoline) or the shop (like air hose), but we actively seek renewable options.  Case in point: we found a local bulk-oil supplier for re-refined motor oil (both 5W30 and 5W20 grade, ILSAC GF-4 standard), liberating oil changes from virgin crude. 

Energy Policy

Renewable power is a major agenda for LG. Currently the shop enjoys natural light though our handsome skylights and windows. High-efficiency fixtures aid in twilight hours. Insulation and venting (for the building as well as staff) remove the need for heating or air conditioning. We proudly employ electric tools in lieu of pneumatics; they are far more efficient and their batteries can be charged at night. (They also keep the noise down.) We plan to install a PV array to meet electrical needs long term, likely by Fall 2008. For filling tires and the occasional stubborn fastener, we have a high-efficiency air compressor.

Natural Resources

Water collection is also a long term goal. Except for making coffee and diluting antifreeze, a shop does not need fresh water. We are setting up a grey water system for cleaning and watering plants. Ultimately rain water will supply the main water lines. We launder all linens on site to monitor water, energy, and chemical usage.

Toxics

Toxic chemicals are the grounds for professional auto service. We are trained in handling sick cars, their leaks and emissions. We are also savvy at keeping the
necessary exchange of these substances under control. Our floor is non-porous; we use rags to collect any residues; a dedicated rag service launders them off-site so the chemicals are disposed properly. We strongly avoid aerosols; when necessary, we use refillable containers to elimate waste. Water-based parts cleaners are required in San Francisco; we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Last But Not Least

We repurpose fabrics to make our floor mats and fender covers, all durable and reusable. Our floor is sealed concrete, not an epoxy surface, dramatically reducing VOCs, Particulate Matter, and maintenance. Other building materials are renewable and non-toxic.