The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc. (TEMA) with a 2008 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency. TEMA's accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 1, 2008.
TEMA, an Energy Star partner since 2003, was honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency and management across its 10 manufacturing operations in the U.S. Across the nation, top companies and organizations are continuing to promote energy efficiency through participation in Energy Star. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $16 billion on their energy bills and helped reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
"Protecting the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emission while improving energy efficiency is a top priority of our team members," said Steve St. Angelo, TEMA senior vice president. "Our commitment to the environment is a strong business case that not only helps our bottom line, but demonstrates our goal to be the most admired in town in the communities where we do business."
Examples of energy improvement at TEMA's U.S. facilities include:
• Replacing plant lights with new technology efficient lights, saving $500,000 annually and reducing CO2 emissions by 10,242 metric tons, equal to 730 homes.
• Reduce weekend and non-production energy usage, saving $103,000 annually and reducing CO2 emissions by 1,596 metric tons, equal to 115 homes.
• Reduce water use during the paint process, saving $185,000 annually and reducing water use by 50 gallons per vehicle.
Since 2002, Toyota has reduced its overall energy usage per vehicle by 21 percent and CO2 emissions per vehicle by 20 percent, equals to 17,000 homes. These overall energy savings equate to savings of $26 million.
The 2008 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the Energy Star program including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the Energy Star program.
"We are proud to recognize Toyota's continued efforts with the 2008 Energy Star Sustained Excellence award," said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "Year after year, partners like Toyota are examples of the benefits of a long-term commitment to energy efficiency. Their actions are leading the way in saving energy and helping to protect the environment."
