Toyota declares June its green month

In the month that sees a certain cinematic someone becoming increasingly green for special effect, Toyota doesn’t have to rely on CGI to get its softer, more agreeable green message across to the multitudes.

In time honoured fashion – 35 years worth – Toyota has again, officially declared June as ‘Green Month’. And as such, expects its office and dealership employees to toe the green line in raising the UK car buying publics awareness of the Japanese manufacturer’s commitment to environmental issues and the measures it implicates to perpetuate this, aside from those found in its 2008 model range.

To make its summer eco-blockbuster trailer fun for internal Toyota staff of all ages, it’s chosen to base its ethical-education around the ‘Three Rs concept’. Which definitely means that school isn’t out for its British workforce.

Reduce, Re-use and Recycle’ are the initiatives that Toyota GB staff hope to drum into the automotively-keen conscience of those on its payroll, and has adopted a wide range of activities and initiatives constructed around its core eco-responsibilities.

Toyota GB’s head office has got the ball rolling by setting a target of 95% waste recycling, supported by a new collection and disposal system. Reusable water bottles are self-explanatory, however USB sticks require a little more fleshing out. To reduce employee’s carbon footprint, the supply of USB sticks virtually eliminates the need for excessive paper wastage when it comes to the circulation of documentation and therefore will contribute greatly in the scheme of things.

Investment in other areas of new technology has also resulted in the adaptation of advanced software that drastically reduces the number of servers facilitated in Toyota’s primary UK commercial installation, by some 90% . Lighting throughout the building has also been revised to incorporate an ‘off’ setting as its default setting.

As part of Toyota’s larger picture of continually addressing the sensitivities and on-going challenges presented by effects of global warming and climate change as a whole, the Japanese car maker is seeking to create a more obvious, harmonious contrast between business and the environment, starting in its workplaces as the key element and motivator in its Global Vision 2020 programme.

Globally, Toyota is investing $1 million an hour in new technologies that can reduce the impact of vehicles on the environment, including new plug-in hybrid vehicle technology and more advanced fuel cell vehicles. These are tangible examples of how the company is moving closer to achieving its declared goal of the ultimate eco-car, a machine that has no negative impact on the environment throughout its lifecycle.

Miguel Fonseca, Managing Director Toyota GB, said: “Addressing climate change and our impact on it is a top priority for Toyota, not just in terms of reducing CO₂ emissions from the vehicles we make, but also minimising emissions from across the whole manufacturing and retail process.”