Type to search

In-Brief

Toyota to reduce emissions from North American operations by up to 40%

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is committing to “aggressively reduce” its carbon output in the United States by entering into Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs).

It will use them to reduce emissions from its North American operations by up to 40% over the next three years, it said in a press release.

Under the VPPAs, which the company expects to start later this year, TMNA will contract with renewable energy providers to generate wind and solar power that will be provided directly to regional electric grids. The supply of renewable power is expected to reduce use of fossil fuels while improving the sustainability of the electric grid in the area.

“Toyota has long been defined by its commitment to responsible environmental practices, and we’re proud to build upon that great legacy today,” said Kevin Butt, regional environmental sustainability director for TMNA.

“We are committed to setting an example of sustainability that goes beyond vehicles to show how a company can significantly reduce the environmental impact of its operations. By cutting our U.S. emissions by 40%, we will be that much closer to our goal of having a net positive impact on the environment by the middle of this century,” he said.

Toyota’s VPPA program is the result of more than six years of research into how best to reduce and offset emissions from the company’s operations, working in partnership with MIT, the National Renewable Energy Lab, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and others. It is part of a wider effort across the company to reduce the environmental impact of enterprise operations as it also works to limit vehicle emissions.

Launched in 2015, the Challenge sets out six objectives for the company’s global operations, including:

  1. A 90% reduction in global average CO2 emissions from new vehicles vs. 2010 levels;
  2. The complete elimination of CO2 emissions from the entire vehicle life cycle; zero emissions at all manufacturing plants worldwide;
  3. Minimizing water usage and implementing water discharge management protocols;
  4. Promoting global deployment of end-of-life vehicle treatment and recycling, and;
  5. Connecting and promoting nature conservation activities outside of the Toyota Group in the communities where we operate.

Author Details
Author Details
This story was written by our staff based on a press release.
Tags:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *