Honda 2012 North American Environmental Report

Overview

This report details Honda's environmental initiatives and performance in North America for the fiscal year 2012 (April 1, 2011 - March 31, 2012). It covers Honda's commitment to minimizing environmental impact across its operations, product lifecycle, and community engagement, guided by its Environmental Vision.

Honda Environmental Vision

Honda's vision is to realize "the joy and freedom of mobility" and "a sustainable society where people can enjoy life." This involves minimizing CO2 emissions, reducing the use of fossil fuels and resources, and developing products with the lowest in-use CO2 emissions and manufacturing plants with the lowest CO2 emissions intensity.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

• Product Development: Focus on improving fuel efficiency, reducing substances of concern (e.g., PVC, lead, mercury), and enhancing product recyclability. Introduced new "Earth Dreams Technology" powertrains, including advanced gasoline engines, CVTs, and hybrid systems. Launched the Fit EV and new models like the Accord and CR-V with improved fuel economy.
• Purchasing & Logistics: Working with suppliers to track and reduce supply chain emissions ("Green Purchasing") and optimize parts transportation ("Green Logistics").
• Manufacturing: Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, energy use, waste, and water consumption across 14 North American plants. Achieved "zero waste to landfill" at 10 plants.
• Sales & Service: Reducing emissions and waste from service parts transportation and packaging. Launched the "Green Dealer" program to encourage environmental efforts among dealerships.
• In-Use Impact: Focus on improving vehicle fuel efficiency, which accounts for the largest portion of life-cycle CO2 emissions. Honda's fleet performance often exceeds industry averages for fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
• End-of-Life: Working to make products easier to recycle and reducing waste from service parts. Diverted millions of pounds of e-waste, warranty, and overstock parts from landfills. Expanded remanufactured parts program.
• Administration & Green Buildings: Implementing energy efficiency and waste reduction in offices and facilities. Achieved LEED certification for multiple buildings, showcasing leadership in sustainable construction.
• Environmental Community Activities: Supporting environmental education, preservation, and restoration efforts through corporate giving, foundation support, and associate volunteerism.
• Environmental Technology Milestones: Highlighting Honda's history of environmental innovation, from CVCC engines to hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.