Toyota’s ‘Environmental Challenge’ Aims for Zero CO2 Emissions by 2050

Carmaker’s engineering facilities earn LEED Platinum status in Kentucky and Michigan.

As Toyota’s footprint continues to grow in North America, so does their dedication to the environment and society through Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050. Announced in 2017, the ambitious program emboldens the global mobility leader to go beyond zero environmental impact and achieve a net positive impact. Part of that challenge; ensuring new Toyota facilities are constructed and operated sustainably. That commitment has resulted in Toyota’s two newest U.S. facilities being certified LEED Platinum, the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) highest rating.

In Georgetown, Kentucky, the $80 million Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center (PEMC), pictured below, received its LEED Platinum plaque on March 28. Opened in October 2017, the PEMC serves as the go-between for design, research & development, and manufacturing.

“Our team is excited to have earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest rating for our Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center,” said Chris Reynolds, Toyota’s executive in charge of manufacturing and corporate resources. “Toyota’s investment in this facility demonstrates our company’s global challenge of achieving zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Such a significant challenge must start with smaller, achievable goals and designing a building that uses 50% less energy and supplementing with renewables, such as solar panels, are significant steps toward meeting that challenge.”

‘Toyota’s investment in this facility demonstrates our company’s global challenge of achieving zero CO2 emissions by 2050.’

In York Township, Michigan, Toyota’s Supplier Center was presented with their LEED Platinum plaque on April 15. The Supplier Center, which opened in May 2017, is part of a recent $154 million investment in Michigan to realign Toyota’s purchasing, prototype, and powertrain operations.

“Much like vehicle design, smart, thoughtful planning and use of our facilities is integral to the central core of Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050,” said Shinichi Yasui, executive vice president of Research and Development. “We believe all our work can contribute positively to our planet so we may contribute to a society that lives in harmony with nature.”

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