TEMPE, Ariz. (Aug. 16, 2010) –Eleven Firestone Complete Auto Care™ store locations across Arizona are helping to keep customers’ vehicles running newer, longer — as well as helping the environment. Of the 11 store locations, six in the Phoenix area were recently certified as “green shops” through the Automotive Service Association (ASA) which is part of Arizona’s voluntary Green Business Automotive Program, administered in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The remaining five stores, located in the Tucson area, were re-certified as “green shops” by the ASA.

“Our BSRO locations are important members of their communities and are committed to making a difference,” said Dick Clark, Western Zone Vice President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO). “By supporting environmental initiatives, our team members serve not only their customers, but also their communities and the families within them.”

The ASA classifies an automotive service provider as a green shop if it meets qualifications in two major areas: pollution prevention and resource conservation. According to the ASA program guidelines, green shops go beyond the government environmental regulations all automotive repair facilities must meet “and take additional measures to protect the environment, save resources and keep Arizona clean.”

“I am proud to visit ASA shops that have taken that extra step to be certified,” said Luz Rubio, Executive Director, ASA of Arizona. “Being green is a practice that is now incorporated into the way shops do business. Being environmentally conscious becomes a culture among employees.”

Auto shops must accumulate at least 300 points on a scorecard created by ADEQ’s Pollution Prevention Program in categories such as cleaning and degreasing, energy conservation, and waste reduction. The specific criteria include using low-hazard solvents, recycling fluids, including oil, using energy-efficient lighting and other green office equipment, reducing paper use, and conserving water.

The Firestone Complete Auto Care locations recognized as Arizona Green Shops are:

“We work hard to provide quality automotive maintenance and repair services while maintaining an environmentally friendly business,” said Jim Fogelquist, Arizona District Manager, BSRO. “Our 11 stores that were recognized as green shops are truly deserving of this honor.”