Before the Green Month, here is a quantified overview of the progress made in terms of mobility

Today's society is showing growing concern about the environmental impact of human activities. Despite the difficulties encountered and the prospects still far from ideal, it is up to everyone to make an effort. Individuals, companies and countries have the capacity and the responsibility to implement all possible actions to ensure the quality and survival of our planet.

This June, on World Environment Day, Toyota is celebrating Green Month by launching various initiatives to promote the company's sustainable development and help achieve its 2050 environmental challenge, the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.

This is an opportunity to take stock of the achievements made so far, the programs launched and the challenges that await us in the future.

United Nations World Environment Day

Every year since 1973, on June 5, millions of people around the world have celebrated World Environment Day by engaging virtually or physically in various activities, events and initiatives held around the world. This day is celebrated in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

In 2023, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of its creation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. Côte d'Ivoire is the host and organizer country for this year.

Nature is currently facing a critical situation. In order to limit global warming to less than 1.5°C this century, it is necessary to halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

If we don't act quickly, our exposure to air pollution could increase by around 50% over the next decade, while the amount of plastic waste dumped into aquatic ecosystems could triple by 2040.

The environmental challenge, Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050

As part of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, Toyota's goal is to reduce its carbon footprint by 2050, thereby helping to mitigate the impact of environmental change and promote building a sustainable society in harmony with the environment. environment.

To achieve this objective, it is essential to make a clear commitment to environmentally friendly electrification, offering a unique driving experience thanks to technologies such as electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric battery and fuel.

However, this challenge requires a holistic approach that encompasses the entire business and its environment.

Challenge 1: Zero CO₂ emissions in new vehicles

Toyota aims to reduce CO2 emissions from the vehicles it sells by 90% by 2050.

Toyota relies on vehicles with minimal environmental impact. By expanding its range of hybrid vehicles, of which Toyota is the undisputed leader, the brand has managed to reduce global average CO2 emissions from new vehicles by 22% compared to 2010 levels.

It should be noted that more than 20 million Toyota hybrid electric vehicles, called hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), have already been sold worldwide, including more than 4 million in Europe.

Another approach to meet this challenge is to explore the potential of the hydrogen fuel cell, to minimize environmental impact and achieve zero emissions. A concrete example is the Toyota Mirai, which can travel nearly 650 km without emitting anything other than water.

In Europe, we are already seeing the establishment of several fleets using hydrogen, such as the fleet of Paris taxis, the London metropolitan police or even that of Berlin.

Challenge 2: Zero CO₂ emissions in the life cycle

The environmental impact of a vehicle, measured by its carbon footprint, goes beyond the emissions it generates during its lifetime. This footprint is present at every stage of its life cycle, which begins with its design and manufacture, continues with distribution and transport, and ends with sale.

Toyota is committed to addressing this issue at all stages by implementing various logistical improvements. For example, they optimize vehicle transport and reduce logistics routes to reduce CO2 emissions.

All of these challenges are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Toyota illustrates this commitment through various initiatives, such as the development of zero-emission hydrogen trucks for transporting goods to their plant in Los Angeles, USA, or the use of 100% renewable energy in all their European operations. thanks to the installation of solar panels and wind turbines in their production plants.

At the local level, the entire official dealer network in Spain has reduced electricity consumption by 18% since 2017 thanks to improved energy efficiency and awareness of good practices. This measure has prevented the emission of more than 2 million kg of CO2 into the atmosphere.

The latest agreement between Toyota Motor Europe (TME) and VDL Groep (VDL) aims to introduce emission-free heavy-duty hydrogen trucks to the logistics sector. This initiative uses Toyota's fuel cell technology and plays a key role in implementing TME's strategy of being completely carbon neutral by 2040.

Challenge 3: Reduce CO₂ emissions in factories

The manufacturing stage is crucial in terms of CO₂ emissions throughout the life cycle of vehicles. That's why Toyota is particularly focused on this fundamental step to meet this challenge.

Various measures have been implemented at European level in manufacturing plants, including the exclusive use of electricity from renewable sources for all operations.

Another remarkable initiative has been carried out at the Toyota engine manufacturing plant in France, where heating is provided by an electric heat pump. This solution enables fully renewable energy consumption, without CO2 emissions.

In addition, solar panels have been installed in the logistics center in Europe to generate renewable energy for self-consumption.

Challenge 4: Efficient water use and reduction of CO2 emissions

As resources are limited, Toyota is firmly committed to conserving and optimizing the use of water. As part of their fourth challenge, by 2050, the company has implemented reduction technologies and initiatives to save water, such as recycling and reducing the use of steam in painting process.

At the Toyota plant in France, rainwater is collected and wastewater is treated for reuse. In Spain, thanks to savings and efficiency measures in workshops, water consumption per vehicle washed has been reduced by 68% since 2017.

It is important to emphasize that a thorough periodic maintenance of the facilities is carried out to prevent leaks and water loss, especially in the laundry rooms. In addition, the water consumption of the vehicles during the washing process is monitored using a meter.

In addition, Toyota Spain asks its official network of dealers to carry out regular analyzes of their water discharges, even if this is not required by law, in order to avoid any contamination of the sewerage system.

Challenge 5: Circular economy and vehicle recycling

As part of the circular economy and vehicle recycling challenge, the company's goal is clear: reuse or recycle 100% of auto parts and prevent auto waste from going to landfill.

To achieve this goal, exemplary facilities have been set up in different regions for the proper treatment of end-of-life vehicles, and emphasis has been placed on battery reduction, reuse and recycling.

In tests conducted in Europe on the treatment of end-of-life vehicles, it was possible to recover and reuse 96.9% of the materials and components of a plug-in Prius.

Another recently unveiled innovation concerns the creation and commissioning of a high-capacity energy storage system, using recycled batteries from electrified vehicles. This system is expected to provide approximately 100,000 kWh of electricity by the middle of this decade.

Challenge 6: Building a society in harmony with nature

Various projects are currently underway to address this challenge, including the Green Wave and Today for Tomorrow initiatives. These projects have conducted training and activities in partnership with non-governmental organizations to improve wildlife habitat at their facilities and support the assessment of endangered species.

These projects involve the active participation of communities and seek to encourage societal engagement. In Europe, over the past five years, approximately 77,000 students in 14 countries have participated in Toyota's sustainability education program.

Another project that has been developed in recent years is "The Great Plant Hunt", a project of the International Eco-Schools Network. Through this project, Toyota encourages school-aged children to follow in Charles Darwin's footsteps and develop their curiosity about the world around them.

This project was a joint initiative of Toyota Motor Europe (TME), the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in Richmond, UK. Its aim was to support biodiversity education in schools across Europe.

The future: beyond zero

Looking to the future, Toyota, with its Toyota and Lexus brands, is committed to going beyond zero emissions. Although the road ahead is not easy, Toyota has become a world leader in the sale of electrified models, having exceeded 20 million electrified vehicles sold worldwide and 380,000 units in Spain since 1997.

For more than two decades, Toyota has worked tirelessly to promote sustainable mobility by reducing greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions, thus actively contributing to the fight against climate change. In addition, Toyota is working to reduce emissions of polluting gases (NOx and particulates) which have a direct impact on people's health.

Toyota's goal is to create a better society, where mobility goes beyond cars, emissions, restrictions, barriers and expectations. Through the Beyond Zero concept, Toyota explores mobility solutions that benefit everyone, to build a more inclusive and sustainable world and society.

In summary, this commitment concerns all of us, offering everyone the opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of our planet.