Toyota USA Highlights Water Savings in 2016 Report

The company says these efforts are core parts of its Global Environmental Challenge 2050, a set of six challenges that ultimately will create a net positive impact on the planet.

Toyota's 2016 North American Environmental Report shows that the company's North American operations have reduced water usage by nearly 100 million gallons. Another highlight is the announced plan for a 7.75 megawatt solar array at Toyota's new headquarters campus in Plano, Texas, which will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 7,122 metric tons.

The company says these efforts are core parts of its Global Environmental Challenge 2050, a set of six challenges that ultimately will create a net positive impact on the planet. "To achieve our 2050 goal of net positive impact, we'll continue to make consistent, incremental improvements," said Toyota Motor North America Regional Environmental Director Kevin Butt. "These constant improvements, supported by innovative projects across Toyota operations in North America, will create positive change and a more sustainable future."

The first three challenges focus on carbon and call for completely eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from all vehicles, operations, and supply chain. The fourth challenge addresses water availability and quality, while the fifth and sixth challenges seek to move closer to a recycling-based society and protect nature. The company reports that, in North America, it already has taken action to achieve the six challenges, which have helped Toyota meet and in some cases exceed 2014 to 2016 targets on vehicles, energy, greenhouse gases, water, chemical management, waste, biodiversity, and outreach.

In 2016, Toyota reduced water withdrawals by 99.8 million gallons, and Toyota dealers in Northern California saved 8.4 million gallons of water last summer by encouraging customers to skip the complimentary car wash after service.

To see the full report, visit http://www.toyota.com/usa/environmentreport2016/.