With its lineup of efficient hybrid models and eco-friendly manufacturing practices, Toyota has long been a leader in the automotive industry for environmental sustainability. Toyota continues to raise the bar for environmental sustainability with the further reduction of its carbon output, with a plan to cut plant emissions by 40% in North America over the next three years.
Toyota and Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs)
The biggest contributors behind the plant emissions reductions are Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs), in which Toyota 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 the use of fossil fuels while improving the sustainability of the electric grid in the area. By powering its operations from the enhanced grid and applying Renewable Energy Credits earned by funding the generation of renewable electricity, Toyota expects to substantially offset emissions from its facilities in North America. The end result is cleaner mobility.
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“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 forty percent, we will be that much closer to our goal of having a net positive impact on the environment by the middle of this century.” – Kevin Butt, General Manager and Regional Environmental Sustainability Director for Toyota Motor North America
Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050
The plant emissions reductions with the Virtual Power Purchase Agreements is one step in achieving the goals of Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050, with a target of zero emissions at all manufacturing plants worldwide by 2050. Toyota also aims to reduce carbon emissions from new vehicles by 90% by 2050 (compared to 2010 levels), minimize water usage, promote more recycling, and promote nature conservation in local communities.
