It’s Earth Month and this month, Toyota is reaffirming its
goal to a sustainable future as it works toward the goals of its Global
Environmental Challenge. This goal sets sustainability targets for the company
that they wish to meet by 2050. In North America, the efforts the company are
taking to protect the natural world, minimize environmental impact, and help
create a net positive value are found in four key areas: Carbon, Materials, Water,
and Biodiversity.
Here is how Toyota is looking to achieve these goals in
these four areas:
- Materials: Aiming to conserve natural resources, eliminate
waste disposal and share know-how. For example, in North America, Toyota’s put
forth a data tracking system to annually track the amount of packaging that is
being used and there is a global target to reduce packaging material use by 5% by
2021.
- Carbon: To address climate change, Toyota is aspiring to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from operations. In addition, they are looking
to establish longer-term targets to achieve zero emissions by 2050. Toyota also
pledges to reduce vehicle emissions 90 percent from a 2010 baseline by 2050 by offering
vehicles with alternative powertrains and working to expand PHV, EV and FCV
infrastructure.
- Water: Toyota will continue to manage and preserve this important
resource and it pledges to reduce absolute water withdrawals from North
American operations by incorporating waterless manufacturing technologies and
adopting water conservation and recycling technologies. In addition, by 2050, Toyota
will establish closed loop systems with 100 percent recycled/reused water.
- Biodiversity: Toyota is pledging to conserve natural
habitats by 2050, as well as partner with third parties to help protect
globally recognized hotspots. In addition, Toyota will engage in projects that
protect biodiversity. Toyota also has a goal to work to protect threatened and
endangered species living near its sites as well as certify all major
facilities to a recognized, high standard conservation certification.
