14 DAY TRIAL // Honda has just become the most eco-friendly of any automaker in North America when it comes to the LEED-certified "green buildings", with the total number of such facilities having just been brought to eleven.
The latest Honda facilities to earn the LEED "green-building" certification are the Powertrain Division in Anna, Ohio, and the company’s new head office in Markham, Ontario (Canada).
During construction of the Ohio facility, diverted more than 185 cubic yards of construction material from landfills, recycling or reusing more than 50 percent of total construction materials.
In addition, the building's water use has been reduced by approximately 30 percent from earlier levels. Annual CO2 emissions from the facility have been cut by approximately 470,000 pounds.
"Our environmental efforts extend well beyond the products we make and include the facilities that support Honda's manufacturing, R&D, sales and service operations across North America," said David Strelow, facilities manager for the Anna Engine Plant, who was involved in the construction of the new facility.
"This is part and parcel of our commitment to being good neighbors in the communities where we do business and good stewards of the environment and our finite natural resources," he added.
On the other hand, during construction of Honda Canada's new 138,000-square-foot head office, the company diverted construction material from landfills, recycling or reusing 75 percent of total construction materials.
The building's water use has been reduced by approximately 44 percent compared to the company's previous facility. Also, landscape design provides for on-site storm water treatment through the use of bioswales and water collection.
"Honda's environmental vision is to help preserve the global environment for generations to come, and includes broad-based efforts to minimize our company's environmental footprint," explained Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada.
Among the green building features at existing Honda facilities in the U.S. are conservation easements, low-flow bathroom and kitchen fixtures, more energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning systems, lamps and lighting controls, Energy Star-rated appliances, cool roof materials, and wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.