Environmental Initiatives
Chronology of Environmental Initiatives by Field
Year
|
Events
|
---|---|
1963
|
Production Environment Committee established
|
1973
|
Toyota designates the month of June as 'Toyota Environment Month'
|
Environmental Product Design Assessment Committee established
|
|
1989
|
Ozone-Layer Protection Subcommittee established
|
1990
|
Recycling Committee established
|
1991
|
Toyota Environment Month renamed Global Environment Month
|
'One Person, One Tree' campaign initiated to reduce waste of paper resources (completed at the end of 1992)
|
|
1992
|
'Guiding Principles at Toyota' adopted
|
Toyota adopts the 'Comprehensive Approach to Global Environmental Issues' (also known as the 'Toyota Earth Charter')
|
|
Toyota Environment Committee established
|
|
1993
|
Toyota Environmental Action Plan established
|
1996
|
Toyota 2005 Vision announced
|
Toyota Environmental Action Plan revised
|
|
1997
|
Internal LCA Subcommittee established
|
1998
|
Environmental Affairs Division established
|
Toyota's Development and Design Divisions obtain external certification for ISO 14001
|
|
Environmental pocketbook distributed to all employees to improve their awareness
|
|
First 'Environmental Report' established
|
|
1999
|
Computation model and a database for LCA evaluation software built
|
Toyota begins including environmental specifications in the catalogs of all new or redesigned models
|
|
2000
|
Environmental Textbook distributed to affiliates in Japan and overseas
|
LCA applied to all vehicles under development
|
|
Toyota Earth Charter revised
|
|
2001
|
The Third Toyota Environmental Action Plan goes into effect, and Toyota meets its first-year goals
|
Toyota begins calculating customer effects and eco efficiency in addition to environmental costs and economic effects
|
|
2003
|
Interim review of the Third Toyota Environmental Action Plan conducted
|
2005
|
Fourth Toyota Environmental Action Plan developed and published
|
2006
|
First Environmental Recognition and Best Practice Presentation meeting held
|
2007
|
Environmental Affairs Division reorganized into the CSR & Environmental Affairs Division
|
2010
|
CSR & Environmental Affairs Division reorganized into the Environmental Affairs Division
|
2011
|
Environmental Report' published separately from Sustainability Report
|
Year
|
Events
|
---|---|
1979
|
LASRE engine series developed (3A-U)
|
1984
|
Toyota becomes the first automaker n the world to begin mass-producing lean burn engines
|
1985
|
Toyota commercializes the world's first electronic fuel injection system for indirect injection diesel engines
|
1986
|
Toyota creates a CNG prototype vehicle, jointly developed with a major gas company
|
1993
|
Switchover from CFC12 to a new refrigerant (HFC134a) completed for car air conditioners in all models
|
1994
|
Flex Lock-up System developed
|
Toyota develops a NOx storage-reduction, three-way catalytic converter that is combined with a lean burn engine to remove NOx
|
|
1995
|
Preparations to establish an ISO14001 structure started
|
High-performance electric vehicle 'RAV4-EV' developed
|
|
Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) technology developed
|
|
1996
|
Two-seater EV called e-com exhibited at motor show
|
D-4 engine installed in the Corona Premio
|
|
FCEV (prototype vehicle) launched that combines a fuel cell unit with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy
|
|
1997
|
The D-4 engine receives the Technological Development Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan and an R&D 100 award in the U.S.A.
|
Super ECT, a highly efficient automatic transmission developed
|
|
Oxidizing catalytic converter developed for diesel engines that reduces soluble organic compounds by at least 50%
|
|
Methanol-reforming FCEV prototype announced
|
|
Prius featuring the Toyota Hybrid System launched
|
|
New air conditioner developed that uses less refrigerant
|
|
Toyota starts full-scale application of product environmental management, beginning with the Harrier
|
|
New emissions reduction system developed that complies with the 2000 Exhaust Emissions Standards
|
|
1998
|
Patents for NOx catalytic converter system obtained in 10 countries
|
New generation of one-liter car gasoline engines developed
|
|
More than 100 Toyota models are approved under the Low-Emission Vehicle Designation System in seven municipalities
|
|
1999
|
Toyota develops Crayon, an EV commuter system, and begins using it internally
|
New compact battery for hybrid vehicles developed
|
|
2000
|
Toyota achieves its voluntary 2000 fuel efficiency goals
|
Toyota completes voluntary compliance with the 2000 Exhaust Emissions Standards for gasoline-powered vehicles
|
|
New Prius featuring a compact nickel-metal hydride battery launched
|
|
2001
|
FCHV-3 equipped with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy tank launched (March)
|
FCHV-4 equipped with a high-pressure hydrogen tank developed and road testing commenced (June)
|
|
Toyota meets the 2010 Fuel Efficiency Standards in four categories
|
|
Number of vehicles complying with the Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles expanded
|
|
Number of low-emissions vehicles that satisfy the 2010 Fuel Efficiency Standards expanded
|
|
Development of fuel-cell hybrid vehicles accelerated and limited sales plan announced
|
|
LCA results disclosed in new car catalogs
|
|
2002
|
Toyota increases the number of hybrid passenger car models to three, achieving cumulative total sales of 100,000 vehicles
|
Toyota achieves the 2010 Fuel Efficiency Standards in six of the eight categories
|
|
Toyota increases the percentage of its vehicles complying with the Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles to 98%
|
|
Toyota increases the number of models complying with both the 2010 Fuel Efficiency Standards and the Ultra-Low Emission levels to 21
|
|
Limited sales of FCHVs started
|
|
Toyota achieves a cumulative total sales of 140,000 hybrid vehicles
|
|
LCA results for the next-generation Prius published
|
|
2003
|
Toyota increases the percentage of its vehicles meeting the Ultra-Low Emission level to 76.5%
|
Toyota achieves the 2010 Fuel Efficiency Standards in six of the seven categories
|
|
Newly developed DPR/DPNR catalytic converter adopted in diesel-powered vehicles
|
|
FCHV-BUS2 commences commercial operation
|
|
Eco-VAS, a system for effectively assessing environmental impact, introduced
|
|
New Prius featuring a completely redesigned powertrain launched
|
|
2004
|
87% of Toyota's gasoline-powered passenger cars meet the 2010 Fuel Efficiency Standards
|
Toyota increases the percentage of its vehicles meeting the Ultra-Low Emission level to 90.8%
|
|
2005
|
Toyota achieves cumulative total sales of 360,000 hybrid vehicles globally
|
Toyota begins application of Eco-VAS with the new Vitz
|
|
Eco-driving promotion booklet issued
|
|
2008
|
Toyota develops the Toyota FCHV, an improved fuel cell vehicle, and begins leasing it
|
2009
|
Meetings held to explain REACH to Toyota suppliers
|
New 'Harmonious Driving Navigator' system installed in the Lexus HS 250h
|
|
Plug-in hybrid vehicles targeting fleet users in Japan, the U.S., and Europe launched
|
|
2010
|
Agreement signed to license its Prius hybrid technology to Mazda
|
Year
|
Events
|
---|---|
1963
|
Production Environment Committee established
|
1971
|
All-Toyota Environmental Management Committee established
|
1973
|
Toyota starts a waste reduction campaign
|
1978
|
Energy Division Assembly established inside All-Toyota Production Technology Liaisons
|
1984
|
Prior Assessment System for Environmental Preservation established
|
1987
|
Toyota begins initiatives to reduce the volume of packaging and wrapping materials
|
1989
|
Toyota eliminates the use of trichloroethylene
|
1990
|
5R Program commenced to strengthen waste reduction activities
|
Logistics: Percentage of container transports increased
|
|
Production Environment Technology Subcommittee established
|
|
1991
|
All -Toyota Environmental Liaison established
|
Use of CFC-11 ceased
|
|
1992
|
Use of CFC-113 ceased
|
Toyota introduces its own waste manifests
|
|
Five types of CFC completely eliminated from Toyota's production processes
|
|
Logistics: Use of combined land-sea transport between Kamigo (Aichi) and Hakata (Fukuoka) started as part of Toyota's modal shift
|
|
1993
|
First Toyota Environmental Action Plan developed and announced
|
Toyota's goal for energy use per sales unit established and published
|
|
Industrial waste reduction goals developed and published
|
|
1994
|
Prior Assessment System for Environmental Preservation revised prior to launching of PRTR system
|
Logistics: Toyota receives the Logistics Grand Prize for its use of combined land-sea transport
|
|
1995
|
Use of trichloroethane eliminated
|
Overseas Production Environmental Subcommittee established
|
|
1996
|
Takaoka Plant becomes the first automotive plant in the world to obtain external certification for ISO 14001
|
Second Toyota Environmental Action Plan developed and announced
|
|
Goals for energy use per sales unit and total CO2 emissions established and published
|
|
Energy-saving production processes for achieving a best energy mix developed and introduced
|
|
Toyota actively promotes its 5R initiative
|
|
All Toyota plants begin serious efforts to reduce waste
|
|
Tsutsumi Plant obtains external certification for ISO 14001
|
|
1997
|
Use of dichloromethane ceased
|
Toyota participates in the Ministry of the Environment's PRTR system pilot project (Nishi-Mikawa district, Aichi Prefecture)
|
|
Motomachi Plant obtains external certification for ISO 14001
|
|
Tahara Plant obtains external certification for ISO 14001
|
|
1998
|
Plant Production Environmental Subcommittee established
|
All Toyota production sites in Japan obtain external certification for ISO 14001 by the end of 1998
|
|
1999
|
Technology for new waterborne paint with less environmental impact developed and introduced at the Takaoka Plant
|
Each plant begins disclosing its PRTR information in its local area
|
|
2000
|
Prior Assessment System for Environmental Preservation revised, including expansion of the numbers of prohibited substances and substances to be controlled
|
Third Toyota Environmental Action Plan created and published
|
|
Steps to reduce CO2 emissions beginning in the product development phase implemented and innovative, energy-efficient production technologies developed
|
|
Water usage reduction goals developed and published
|
|
VOC and PRTR reduction goals created and published
|
|
2001
|
All Toyota plants achieve zero landfill waste
|
Toyota achieves 100% green purchasing
|
|
Production Environment Logistics Subcommittee established
|
|
Service Parts Logistics Division obtains external certification for ISO 14001
|
|
2002
|
Suppliers asked to comply with the European ELV Directive
|
Environmental Information Network System (EPI) implemented company-wide so that environmental data can be centrally managed
|
|
2003
|
All Toyota plants and offices achieve zero landfill waste
|
2005
|
Waste reduction goals developed and published
|
Logistics: Use of railroad transport for production parts started
|
|
2006
|
Environmental Purchasing Guidelines revised and Toyota Green Purchasing Guidelines issued
|
The Tsutsumi Plant implements its Eco-Factory Project towards becoming a sustainable plant
|
|
2007
|
The Tsutsumi Plant installs a 2,000-kw solar power generation system (one of the largest among automobile plants worldwide)
|
2008
|
Logistics: Toyota receives the first Eco-Ship Mark recognition from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
|
2010
|
Plant Environment Genchi Genbutsu Meeting (previously the Plant Production Environmental Subcommittee) established
|
Production Technology Environmental Conference (previously the Production Environment Technology Subcommittee) established
|
Year
|
Events
|
---|---|
1970
|
Toyota Metl Co., Ltd. (end-of-life vehicle shredding company) established
|
1981
|
Material ID marking system introduced
|
1990
|
CFC collection and recycling equipment distributed to service shops across Japan free of charge
|
1991
|
'TSOP', a new resin with excellent recyclability developed and commercialized
|
A bumper recycling system covering western Tokyo commenced
|
|
1994
|
Technology for recycling painted bumpers into new bumpers developed and commercialized
|
1995
|
Technology for utilizing the glass from automobile shredder residue (ASR) as a reinforcing agent in tiles developed and commercialized
|
Technology for utilizing copper extracted from wire harnesses in ASR as a reinforcing agent in cast aluminum parts developed and commercialized
|
|
World's first high-precision, dry sorting technology jointly developed with Toyota Metal
|
|
Demonstration plant for recycling ASR begins operation
|
|
Toyota develops and begins using an ASR melt-bricking technology
|
|
Toyota develops and begins using a technology for utilizing the urethane and fiber recovered from ASR as a vehicle soundproofing material (recycled soundproofing products [RSPP])
|
|
Toyota Automobile Dismantling Manual created and distributed
|
|
1996
|
Toyota develops and begins utilizing its TSOP-5, an interior material that integrates 20 types of resin materials into two types
|
Technology for recycling urethane resin bumpers developed
|
|
Bumper recycling system expanded to cover all of Japan
|
|
System developed and employed for separating and concentrating the ethylene glycol recovered from Long Life Coolant (LLC) and converting it into fuel
|
|
1997
|
Toyota begins recycling urethane resin bumpers into battery trays, etc.
|
System for separating and concentrating the ethylene glycol recovered from LLC and converting it into fuel distributed to all dealers free of charge
|
|
Planning and design development of an ASR recycling plant started
|
|
Toyota begins eliminating lead from fuel tanks
|
|
Recoverability prior assessment system implemented
|
|
Continuous processing technology developed that uses a twin-screw reactive extruder to recycle painted bumpers into new bumpers
|
|
Technology developed for recycling waste rubber into products of the same quality as new material
|
|
Toyota begins using lead-free wire harness coverings
|
|
1998
|
Recycling voluntary action plan established to strengthen Toyota's commitment to recycling
|
Full-scale ASR recycling plant built
|
|
Prius battery recycling system built
|
|
Toyota begins eliminating lead from electro-deposited coatings
|
|
CFC12 collection and destruction system started in the Tokyo metropolitan region
|
|
Toyota begins collection and reuse of HFC134a
|
|
1999
|
Use of recycled soundproofing materials expanded to 12 models, achieving an effective recycling rate of 87%
|
Environmental Guidelines implemented at dealers
|
|
2000
|
Recoverability of the Celsior improved
|
All Toyota dealers begin implementing the steps specified in the environmental guidelines created by the Toyota National Dealers' Advisory Council
|
|
2001
|
Automobile Recycle Technical Center established
|
Recoverability prior assessment system improved and strengthened
|
|
Lead usage reduced
|
|
Nationwide selling of used auto parts nationwide started
|
|
2002
|
'Toyota Recycling Vision through 2015' formulated
|
Toyota develops efficient dismantling technologies and incorporates them into the new Raum (launched in May 2003)
|
|
Toyota successfully reduces lead usage in three models down to 1/10 of the 1996 level
|
|
Operation of demonstration plant for ASR thermal recycling started
|
|
Plant-derived Toyota Eco-Plastic adopted
|
|
2003
|
Toyota Recycling Vision developed and published
|
Lead usage in five models successfully reduced to 1/10 of the 1996 level
|
|
Toyota's Automobile Recycle Technical Center develops various types of dismantling tools
|
|
Compliance with the Automobile Recycling Law strengthened
|
|
2004
|
The recycling-oriented design established with the Raum steadily incorporated into new cars
|
Toyota decides to globally eliminate the use of four substances (lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium) as early as possible
|
|
Japan Auto Recycling Partnership, Ltd. established
|
|
2005
|
The Automobile Recycling Law goes into effect and Toyota begins collecting and recycling of the three designated items
|
Operation of an internal information system in compliance with the Automobile Recycling Law commenced
|
|
2007
|
Automakers begin accepting end-of-life vehicles in various European countries (not all countries)
|
2009
|
Toyota HV Call Center established (and new hybrid vehicle battery recycling system started up)
|
2010
|
Simulation program for removing door trim developed
|
Recycling of used hybrid vehicle nickel-metal hydride batteries commenced for hybrid vehicles
|
Year
|
Events
|
---|---|
1992
|
Toyota begins marketing homes that satisfy the New Energy Saving Standard and are financed by the Housing Loan Corporation
|
Full-scale research on biotechnology and afforestation commenced
|
|
1997
|
Toyota joins the Association for Environmentally Symbiotic Housing, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Construction
|
Toyota begins marketing high-efficiency, energy-saving homes MELEZE PREMIER, MELEZE, and CHENE
|
|
Solar power generation system offered as an option
|
|
Formaldehyde volume in interior building materials and adhesives reduced
|
|
1998
|
SINCE AII Home designed to reduce waste generated during remodeling and use less building materials developed
|
Biotechnology and Afforestation Business Department established
|
|
Joint-venture afforestation company established in Australia
|
|
1999
|
The unit- type product brand acquires Environmentally Symbiotic Housing certification
|
Toyota Biotechnology and Afforestation Laboratory established and begins full-scale operation
|
|
Joint venture for growing ornamental plants in Aomori Prefecture established
|
|
2000
|
New biotechnology business started
|
Energy-saving homes developed
|
|
2001
|
Biodegradable plastics for automobile components adopted
|
Toyota Roof Garden Co., Ltd. established
|
|
Housing Group promotes activities based on the Environmental Action Plan
|
|
Afforestation in China started
|
|
2003
|
SINCE RAISON series, based on the next-generation energy conservation -saving standards, launched
|
P.T. Toyota Bio Indonesia's animal feed processing plant begins full-scale operation
|
|
‘F Four Star’ standard adopted in all building materials for the new SINCE Cada home
|
|
Toyota begins building a demonstration bioplastics plant with annual capacity of 1,000 tons
|
|
Sichuan Toyota Nitan Development Co., Ltd. commences operation
|
|
2004
|
The SINCE Cada home receives the Good Design Award in architecture and environmental design
|
2005
|
Toyota's bioplastic demonstration plant goes into full-scale operation (May)
|
2007
|
Afforestation activities started in the Philippines
|
Year
|
Events
|
---|---|
1996
|
Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK), Ltd. (TMUK) becomes the first overseas Toyota location to obtain external certification for ISO 14001
|
1997
|
'Toyota Recycling Initiative' distributed; describes Toyota's recycling policy, to dealers all over the world
|
European Recycling Committee established
|
|
1998
|
All-Toyota Global Warming Prevention Council established
|
1999
|
First Global EMS Liaison Meeting held (attended by environmental personnel from overseas affiliates)
|
'Environmental Purchasing Guidelines' issued to Toyota's suppliers
|
|
2000
|
Consolidated environmental management introduced to 445 consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas
|
All-Toyota Production Environment Conference established (previously the All-Toyota Global Warming Prevention Council)
|
|
Toyota expands the application of its Environmental Purchasing Guidelines to its overseas locations
|
|
Logistics: CO2 emissions reduction goals developed and published for Toyota's logistics subcontractors in Japan
|
|
2001
|
Global environmental data published for first time
|
All-Toyota Production Environment Meeting established
|
|
All-Toyota Logistics Environment Conference established
|
|
2002
|
First Overseas Regional Production Environment Conference (Asia-Pacific region) held
|
European Environmental Committee established
|
|
2003
|
Eco- Factory activities commenced
|
2004
|
North America Environment Committee established
|
2005
|
Toyota's consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas develop and publish their Fourth Toyota Environmental Action Plan (covering 2006-2010)
|
Global CO2 emissions targets developed and published
|
|
VOC and PRTR targets developed and published that encompass all of Toyota's locations in Japan
|
|
Logistics: Toyota begins assessing its CO2 emissions in each overseas region
|
|
2006
|
Toyota Green Purchasing Guidelines implemented globally
|
South America Environment Committee established
|
|
2007
|
China Environment Committee established
|
Asia Pacific Environment Committee established
|
|
2008
|
South Africa Environment Committee established
|
2010
|
Toyota's consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas develop and publish their Fifth Toyota Environmental Action Plan (covering 2011-2015)
|
Logistics: activities to promote CO2 emission reductions and packaging and wrapping materials usage reductions at the highest levels in each country announced
|
|
2011
|
The Global Environmental Conference held
|
'Toyota Green Purchasing Guidelines' revised
|
Year
|
Events
|
---|---|
1992
|
Plans for Forest of Toyota developed
|
1996
|
Toyota High-Tech Research Grant Program starts
|
1997
|
First Toyota Environmental Forum held
|
'Forest of Toyota' model forest created
|
|
1998
|
'Eco-no-Mori Seminar' held; designed to train human resources for greenification, under a 3-year plan
|
1999
|
Toyota receives the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global 500 Award
|
Toyota begins opening its environment-related facilities (Environment Center, etc.) to the public
|
|
2000
|
Environmental grant program initiated
|
2001
|
Stakeholder dialogs held under the theme of 'sustainable development'
|
Forest of Toyota, Phase 2 'Eco-no-Mori Seminar' started
|
|
2003
|
'Environmental and Social Report' issued (formerly known as the 'Environmental Report')
|
2004
|
Toyota promotes reduction in substances of environmental concern in cooperation with its suppliers
|
2005
|
Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute opened
|
2006
|
Sustainability Report issued (previously Environmental and Social Report)
|
2007
|
Toyota Environment Handbook created
|
'Sustainable Plant' activities commenced
|
|
Toyota New R&D Center Environmental Advisory Committee established
|
|
2008
|
Toyota Biodiversity Guidelines published
|
Third phase (2008-2012) of the Toyota Environmental Activities Grant Program started
|
|
2009
|
Natural Environment Preservation Technology Evaluation Meeting established (in April)
|
Overview of the New R&D Center (Project Outline and Environmental Considerations Overview) prepared
|
|
First public meeting to explain new R&D facility held
|
|
2010
|
Second public meeting to explain new R&D facility held
|
'Harmoniously Coexisting with Forests and Wetlands near Populated Areas' report drafted (describing the steps being taken at the new Toyota R&D Facility)
|
|
Tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) held in Nagoya
|
|
Toyota assists at Messe Nagoya, e.g., providing exhibits, taking participants on excursions and providing eco-cars
|
|
Toyota creates the brochure, 'Toyota's approach to biodiversity'
|
|
2011
|
The Nature Coexistence Project of the Toyota Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute receives an award from the Ministry of the Environment at the Second Contest for Corporate Activities on Biodiversity
|