"Recognizing the accelerating public demand for conservation and the preservation of the environment, 'Uncle Sam' has already thrown his starred-and-striped [image-nocss] hat into the mix to support higher profit margins for 'green-built' business enterprises and to achieve their energy mandates," said Nikolas, who heads a Milwaukee-based firm that is developing the "24/7 centers" for environmentally conscious consumers.
"Beyond the intrinsic environmental values are multiple options for increasing ownership profit margins, over and above conventional outlets," Nikolas said. "Those advantages are due to specialized government grants and funding, already in place to encourage conservation of resources intrinsic to 'Good to Go' construction and operations."
Good to Go hopes to take advantage of several programs. The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) 504 Loan Program offering special funding for renewable, alternative energy and sustainable design features, applicable to new green building typical of ECOnvenience construction, including retro-fitted structures.
Qualified applicants through SBA 504 are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit or grant for renewable energy project participation, applicable towards a down payment or equity participation in center ownership.
"When applied to Good to Go ownership, up to 90% of total purchase cost translates into only 10% down payments by qualified owner-operators," Nikolas said.
The Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 provides tax credits for the blending of ethanol fuel, which, at a below-average rate of 150,000 gallons per month, could mean an annual tax credit of $384,750, according to an estimate of volume in high-traffic locations.
"Providing ethanol and other renewable fuels is a prime product feature of Good to Go ECOnvenience Centers," said Nikolas, who cited additional federal tax credits for the cost of installing renewable fueling equipment, effective as of January 1, 2006, as well as onsite blender tax credits.
"The [act] goes a step further, authorizing grants for infrastructure development for renewable fuel blends incorporating 10% to 85% ethanol, and the program extends to both technical and marketing assistance," he added. Originally adopted to provide tax credits of up to 30% for equipment and installation, the 2007 revised act, through federal stimulus funding, upped that figures to 50% (not to exceed $50,000), obtainable through submission of three IRS forms.
Infrastructure credits for construction established by the U. S. Green Building Council for LEED certification include panelized construction with green roof control of water runoff, 100% LED energy-efficient lighting, use of pervious concrete and rain garden installations minimizing storm water runoff and recharging ground water at each site.
Even without tax credits, the environmental product-emphasis of Good to Go ECOnvenience Centers offers a variety of renewable fuel alternatives that provide exceptional cost savings, Nikolas said, with a 24-hour automated merchandising system of 220 staples products and stores staffed by a single employee to increase operating profitability through lower overhead costs.
In addition, the sites' car washing system, using recycled water, consumes two gallons of new water per wash, compared to 50 to 150 gallons in standard facilities, with an annual cost savings of more than two million gallons of fresh water, the company said.
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