Honda's Approach to Environmental Issues
During the 20th century, the focus was on making mobility more convenient and comfortable. In the 21st century we must turn our attention to environmental responsibility, and to making the convenience and comfort of mobility sustainable.
In accordance with the vision expressed in our Commitment to the Future, Honda has always considered environmental preservation a key management priority and worked proactively to minimize environmental impacts. Aware of growing concerns over global climate change, Honda is intensifying environmental conservation efforts at all its facilities worldwide.
Seeking to produce the world's cleanest, most efficient products at the world's cleanest, most efficient factories, Honda has set ambitious new worldwide targets for CO2 reductions, covering all products and production activity.
As a global average, CO2 emissions from Honda automobiles were reduced by about 6% from FY2001 to FY2007. In the same period, average CO2 emissions generated by the manufacture of each Honda automobile were reduced by about 10%. By 2010, we aim to further reduce automobile emissions to reach the target of a 10% reduction from 2000 figures. We also aim to reduce motorcycle and power products emissions by 10%, and reduce the CO2 emissions generated by their manufacture by 20%. Honda's announcement of these voluntary targets was a first for the global automobile manufacturing industry.
Strengthening Efforts to Reduce Environmental Impact
Honda is proceeding determinedly with measures that will further reduce the environmental impact of its activities.
Worldwide CO2 Reduction Targets
Striving to attain the targets announced for reducing CO2 emissions worldwide, Honda is working to further improve both the efficiency of its engine technology and the energy efficiency of its manufacturing. We will continue to take the lead in environmental responsibility.
- Through the introduction of further improvements to our VTEC engine and Variable Cylinder Management system, as well as the introduction of super-low friction motorcycle engines and other advances, we are achieving even better fuel efficiency.
- Following the highly favorable worldwide reception of the Civic Hybrid, we will introduce an even more reasonably priced, dedicated hybrid vehicle in 2009.
- In the U.S., we will introduce a new clean diesel engine that satisfies the U.S. EPA's Tier 2 Bin 5 requirement for diesel emissions on par with gasoline engines. We are also considering introducing this engine in Japan.
Honda is gearing up for many other new environmental initiatives:
- We plan to introduce a new fuel cell vehicle based on the Honda FCX Concept in the U.S. and Japan in 2008.
- In late 2007 Honda Soltec Co., Ltd. (established Dec. 2006) will begin full-scale commercial production and sales of a new thin-film solar energy system in Japan. This energy-efficient technology, whose manufacture requires less energy consumption than other solar technologies, will help curb global warming.
- Some 50,000 households have installed our compact home cogeneration systems since their introduction in Japan in 2003. The systems went on sale in the U.S. in March 2007.
Environmental Impact Reduction Targets for FY2011 in Japan
Honda has also recently set new targets for the reduction of the environmental impact of its corporate activities in Japan. The key targets are as follows:
- Energy/climate change
- Reduction of CO2 emitted in transportation
- Reduction of emissions of substances of concern
- Reduction of VOC use in painting automobiles
- Recycling
- Elimination of landfill waste by all facilities
- Reduction of waste and water use at all Honda manufacturing facilities
- Reduction of packaging materials
- Increase recycling rates for automobile and motorcycle components
As a leading mobility manufacturer, Honda is seeking to take the initiative in environmental conservation, implementing effective measures proactively. There is a lot of work ahead, but the destination is clear and Honda is making steady progress.
In Publishing the Honda Environmental Annual Report 2007
Through this report, Honda publishes the results of its environmental initiatives.
This year, in addition to a focus on the newly announced targets for CO2 emissions reduction by 2010, we present promising next-generation technologies and a straightforward summary of our initiatives. It is our hope that this publication will help lead to greater appreciation of Honda's environmental initiatives.
We warmly welcome readers to share with us their opinions and ideas about the report and Honda's activities.
|
