Toyota today issued its first update on progress toward the goals and targets in the company's new 2011 Environmental Action Plan (EAP). The 2007 North America Environmental Report details Toyota's efforts in six key areas of impact: Environmental Management, Energy and Climate Change, Air Quality, Substances of Concern, Recycling and Improved Resource Use, and Cooperation with Society.
“Toyota's approach to reducing CO2 is far broader than just a commitment to fuel economy standards,” said Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president of Toyota Motor North America. “We take these targets very seriously. Our environmental reports show a consistent history of achieving – and in many cases exceeding – our targets. We believe that the combination of actions we are taking will all play a part in meeting the challenges we all face.”
Toyota's enthusiasm for upholding and surpassing environmental goals is exemplified in its first renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), also announced today. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS) has partnered with SunPower Corporation to install a 2.28 megawatt solar electric power system on the roof of the TMS Ontario (California) Parts Center. The system will be financed and owned by a third-party financier under the SunPower AccessTM power purchase agreement program, which allows Toyota to take advantage of the environmental and financial benefits of solar with no upfront capital costs. When completed in 2008, the photovoltaic (PV) system will be the largest single-roof solar power installation in North America.
Last week, Toyota's outstanding environmental leadership was recognized with the state of California's most prestigious environmental honor, the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA), in the category of sustainable practices or facilities, during an awards ceremony at the California Environmental Protection Agency.
The award was given in recognition of pioneering efforts to integrate environmental values and conservation of natural resources into long-term decision making and management of businesses and facilities.
“The Governor's award is really a reflection of Toyota's overall approach to everything we do,” said Ogilvie, upon receiving the award. The program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable contributions in conserving California's precious resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships.
