14 DAY TRIAL // Toyota published its 2011 North America Environmental Report, which highlights the company's concern regarding the sustainability of its products, as well as their impact upon the environment.
Toyota's officials firmly believe that progress isn't achievable while working on their own, therefore they have established several partnerships meant to decrease the negative influence of their line of business upon the air quality.
“One example of such a partnership is with Tesla Motors, Inc.Together we will produce the RAV4 EV, planned for launch in the U.S. in 2012. This will be a fully-engineered electric vehicle that produces zero emissions and targets a real world driving range of 100 miles. The electric vehicle is one component in our portfolio of advanced technologies that will lead to solutions for sustainable mobility,” according to the 2011 report. Reducing the carbon footprint has been one of their top priorities, but their list of goals is far from ending here. Their partners have had a significant contribution in launching waste recycling programs, implementing eco-plastics and renewable materials in the design of their cars.
Their initiatives are not limited to increasing profit margins, since officials say they realized the importance of displaying an eco-conscious attitude while helping those in need. Toyota started donating plastics which ended up in a community center for recycling.
The company also tried to respond in an effective manner to the energy crisis by testing and developing biodiesel, as a winning strategy which will help communities reduce energy use.
The company is investing in education, acknowledging that this is the first step in developing a sustainable future. Toyota has also focused on building green facilities for its dealerships, while organizing “treasure hunts” which teach the lesson of water and energy preservation.
Its hybrid family that has welcome a new member, Prius v, highlights the company's green values, while offering their buyers the opportunity to benefit from fuel savings and low GHG emissions.
“ We shared our knowledge of the green building process to help the dealership save water and energy, reduce waste and improve indoor air quality. We share our expertise with the hope that our partners will then encourage such practices in the broader community,” concluded the officials in their 2011 report.