CONWAY, Ark. — As the first retail building in the state to seek LEED certification, Caldwell Toyota-Scion hopes to join the expanding list of Toyota eco dealerships throughout the U.S. The new dealership's general manager, Jay Caldwell, said the new facility was designed from the ground up to maximize all environmentally sensitive possibilities.

"The construction included extensive use of recycled and rapidly

renewable materials, such as carpet made from corn with backing derived from auto glass," Caldwell said. "Seventy-five percent of construction waste was diverted from disposal and was separated into recycled waste containers."

Low-emitting materials including sealants, adhesives, paints, and composite wood were also used. "Green" features at the dealership include everything from waterless urinals to a car wash that recycles 80 to 90 percent of its own waste water. Caldwell also plans to host several events for environmental organizations and Conway business and community leaders this month, as well as tours of the environmental features of the dealership.

"Caldwell Toyota is the first non-metropolitan dealership to build a 'Green' dealership," said George Irving, the OEM's retail development manager. "We expect many Toyota dealers throughout the U.S. to follow Caldwell's lead."

The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. To receive LEED certification, buildings are evaluated in six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process.