Imagine a team of employees producing a hybrid transaxle in the hills of West Virginia powered by a five-acre solar array maintained by 20 sheep. Toyota West Virginia did just that when they welcomed the herd in 2023. The solar generation reduces the plant’s CO2 emissions, helps power employee service buildings, and three EV charging stations.

That’s just one of the noteworthy advances revealed in the Toyota North American 2023 Environmental Report. Over the past year, the company saw progress within its four core priority areas: water, materials, carbon, and biodiversity.

These efforts demonstrate Toyota Motor North America’s (TMNA) dedication to positively contributing to society, finding new ways to grow sustainably, and reducing its environmental footprint. The company’s goals also ladder up to Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050.

TMNA’s commitment to environmental sustainability continues to be a priority. The company continuously works toward cultivating services and operations that work in harmony with nature and the environment.

In honor of Earth Month, here are five standout achievements from the Toyota North American 2023 Environmental Report.

Driving Electrification Forward 
Toyota’s and Lexus’ diverse electrified lineups are expanding. In 2023, 66% of the brands’ models in North America included an electrified option or were only available as a hybrid, plug-in, fuel cell or battery-electric vehicle.

Now, more drivers can reach their destinations in style and comfort knowing that they’re doing their part to create a more sustainable world.

Accelerating a Harmonious Existence
Remember, there’s only one Earth. To preserve it, everyone can contribute to its conservation. At TMNA, those endeavors include collaborating with the Pollinator Partnership and National Environmental Education Foundation to support biodiversity.

The collaboration has resulted in the enhancement of 10,337.9 acres of pollinator habitat over the past year.

Protecting native species in their natural habitats is important. The pollinator initiative underscores the company’s Respect for the Planet — exemplifying the understanding that everything on the planet works together for the greater good.

Going With the Flow 
Hardly anything can work or survive without water. About 158 million gallons of water has been released to the Hardy River as part of Toyota’s support of The Nature Conservancy to restore water to the Colorado River Delta.

While water conservation is a prime concern, it isn’t the only focus. The company also addresses other water-related impacts, including helping to protect water resources and sharing its techniques and methods about conservation with other businesses and organizations.

Revving Up Renewable Energy 
To help combat climate change, TMNA invests in a combination of on- and off-site renewable energy projects. The company aims to source at least 45% of the electricity needed for its operations from renewable energy by 2026.

TMNA continues to invest in renewable energy for their operations with an aim of becoming carbon neutral at all their facilities by 2035.

Wasting No Time 
Goods provided by suppliers or waste generated by the company’s activities are referred to as “materials.” Simply put, people and businesses rely on goods of all kinds, but unfortunately, those goods typically come in packages.

From parts being assembled at plants to paper used at offices across North America, materials make up most of the planet’s waste.

By continuing to recycle or reuse over 90% of the waste TMNA generates each year, the company has reduced the use of single-use packaging materials by approximately 15%, compared to the 2018 baseline several years ago. The company is also exploring ways to build a circular ecosystem around its electrified vehicle batteries and other materials.

For more information on the latest North American Environmental Report, click here.