Honda R&D Initiatives
In charge of research and development for the Honda Group, Honda R&D aims to research and develop products with the world's lowest environmental impact and to maximize the environmental responsibility with which its own facilities are operated.
Environmental Impact Reduction
Energy Savings
•Total and Per-unit CO2 Emissions (FY2005=100%)
In FY2007 Honda R&D exceeded its target of a 3.2% reduction in per-unit CO2 emissions, achieving a reduction of 3.8%, and attained its target of 14.4 tons of total CO2 emissions. Further, as a result of the introduction of a cogeneration system, a solar energy system and a NaS battery system at the Automobile R&D Center (Tochigi), a total of 3,433kW of energy were generated from new energy sources.
Eliminating Waste
•Total and Per-unit Waste (FY2005=100%)
•Reducing Waste (Byproducts)
Total waste generated by Honda R&D in FY2007 was 6,698 tons, a 13% reduction in per-unit volume from FY2005, exceeding the target of 9%.
Case Studies
•Introduction of the World's Largest NaS Battery System
Automobile R&D Center (Tochigi)
The new NaS Battery System at the Automobile R&D Center (Tochigi)
At the Automobile R&D Center (Tochigi), preparations are underway for the start of operations of the world's largest NaS (sodium-sulfur) battery system (12,000kW capacity), designed to make efficient use of surplus electricity. The NaS system features triple the electrical efficiency of conventional lead acid batteries. It stores energy from the grid during low-demand nighttime hours for use during high-demand daytime hours when the price is higher. Its use will result in a reduction in cost and environmental impact, as well as a power supply that is continuous, even in the event of a grid power outage. Based on anticipated efficiency gains from this system, it is anticipated that Honda R&D will save some 9,000kW of peak demand electricity and reduce CO2 emissions by 1,850 tons per year.
•Putting Natural Energy to Work
Automobile R&D Center (Takasu Proving Ground)
Extracting energy from snow at the Automobile R&D Center (Takasu Proving Ground)
At the Automobile R&D Center (Takasu Proving Ground), engineers are taking full advantage of their natural surroundings and putting natural energy sources to work. Snow that falls in winter is preserved and its potential heat energy is used in heating and cooling. The snow is also used for testing snow blowers in the summer. Until now such tests had to be conducted overseas.
