Arnold's is being recognized in the Air Quality category because the switch has cut its volatile organic compound (VOC) content by 54 percent and reduced its hazardous air pollutant (HAP) levels by 91 percent. These pollutants contribute to the formation of harmful ground-level ozone.
"Taking an environmentally friendly approach to business is one way our family of 23 employees can pay back our customer's families and the community for 40 years of support," said John Arnold, CEO. "Plus, our commitment to preserving air quality and reducing waste is our social responsibility to the next generation."
Arnold said that the business invested approximately $60,000 in water-based paint and air handling systems so it could exceed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards beyond 2011, when more stringent air quality laws go into effect. The changes at Arnold's Body Shop have not only reduced emissions, but also save energy by reducing the heat-drying process necessary for petroleum-based paint.
"In this industry, it's important to take responsibility for the waste we produce, so Arnold's does everything possible to reduce waste. It's the most socially responsible route," Arnold said.
As education chair of the Iowa Collision Repair Association (ICRA), Arnold is taking action to help other collision repair shops understand the laws that affect the industry and the environment. He has committed to helping educate body shop owners statewide through a series of seminars sponsored by the ICRA, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Waste Reduction Center. The seminars begin this fall.
"For the sake of Iowa's citizens ? and the planet ? we are going to do what we can to get auto body shops in compliance with the new standards by 2011," Arnold said.
The goal of the Environmental Excellence Awards is to recognize Iowa organizations, businesses and individuals who have excelled in providing leadership, innovation and education in the protection of the state's water, land and air. At the ceremony on July 29 in the State Capitol, Des Moines, Governor Chet Culver will present awards in the areas of water quality, air quality, energy efficiency, habitat restoration/development, waste management, environmental education and disaster recovery.
Arnold's Body Shop has served Davenport, Iowa, and the greater Quad Cities community with comprehensive collision repair since 1969. It became Iowa's first body shop to adopt environmentally friendly water-borne refinishing system in 2008. It is a member of the Automotive Service Association and the Better Business Bureau. See www.arnoldsbodyshop.com for details.###
