Toyota Makes California Greener

Already Toyota has my vote for best automotive corporation in the world, simply because of the Toyota Prius. The technology behind this hybrid car, single-handedly, could end foreign-oil dependency for the United States. Additionally, as an inhabitant of Southern California, I have grown tired of the gritty, dirty air that irritates my son’s allergies and asthma, especially this time of year, as the hot summer sun converts CO2 emissions into smog.

Of course, the Toyota Prius isn’t going to end foreign oil dependency, but it could – that’s the point. It’s a roadmap, it’s a step in the right direction, and it’s a direction the world must start stepping towards as fast as possible.

The great thing about Toyota, is that it didn’t stop with the Toyota Prius and hybrid car technology. Recently, the manufacturing giant completed one of the most environmentally-friendly construction projects ever completed in the United States in Torrance, California. At 624,000 square feet, the building is the largest corporate construction project to receive a gold rating by U. S. Green Building Council.

The $87 million dollar complex took an environmental approach to all phases of construction. The framework of the building, more than 250 miles of reinforced steel, was recycled from junked-cars. Toyota also recycled used-carpeting and other materials to create more eco-friendly interiors - preventing the need for additional chemical processing. Additionally, the entire property was landscaped with native, drought-resistant plants, fed by recycled water. Combined with waterless urinals and efficient toilets, Toyota hopes to save more than 10 million gallons of water per year.

Overall, Toyota was able to convert 95 percent of all construction waste into useful material. For example, used concrete slabs were crushed and used to pave the parking lots.

Still, perhaps most impressive, Toyota created a small solar farm. 53,000 square feet of solar panels will provide enough energy to power more than 500 homes. One of the largest commercial solar power systems in North America, the solar panels will pay for themselves in just seven years.

Toyota, again, demonstrates the unimaginable - being green is profitable. Hopefully, more corporations can take notice and help make California, and the planet, a bit greener.