Toyota collects two environment 'Big Tick' awards

Toyota's commitment to environmental leadership and natural resource efficiency has been recognised with two prestigious 'Big Tick' awards from Business in the Community.

In its annual Awards for Excellence, which identify and celebrate companies having a positive impact on the community, environment, marketplace and workplace, Business in the Community recognised the positive contribution Toyota is making to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment and to inspire others to take a responsible approach.

Representatives from Toyota Manufacturing UK collected the 'Big Tick' awards at the East Midlands Awards for Excellence at Derby University. Toyota collected a 'Big Tick' in the Environmental Leadership category by demonstrating how having a clear vision and environmental ownership throughout the entire business can lead to significant improvements. Since the start of production in 1992, Toyota has reduced energy use per vehicle produced by over 70 per cent, water use per vehicle by over 75 per cent, volatile organic compound emissions by over 70 per cent, and waste generated per vehicle by over 60 per cent at the Burnaston plant. Toyota demonstrated how all employees receive environmental awareness training and are encouraged to improve environmental performance both at work and at home.

In its submission Toyota highlighted how, through initiatives such as its public visit programme, business benchmarking seminars and its work with education groups, including the national Toyota Technology Challenge, it aims to inspire others to follow its responsible approach.

The second 'Big Tick' award was in the eco-efficiency category and is a re-accreditation of the award collected by the company last year for reducing water use at the Burnaston plant by introducing a waste water recycling system.