4.24.2007 - 06:28pm ET

(CSRwire) Toyota vehicles earn top ratings in environmental "Best of 2007" guide
For the seventh consecutive year, Toyota vehicles appear in more categories than those of any other brand in GreenerCars.com's "The Best of 2007" list.

Toyota vehicles are included in seven of fourteen categories in the list: Compact, Subcompact, Midsize, and Large Cars, Compact Pickups, Minivans, and Midsize SUVs. Toyota vehicles occupy more number-one positions in these categories than those of any other maker, including Prius in Midsize Car, Yaris with both automatic and manual transmissions in Subcompact Car, Sienna in Minivan, Avalon in Large Car, and Highlander Hybrid in Midsize SUV.

In addition, more Toyota gasoline-powered vehicles than those of any other automaker appear in "The Best of 2007" list. And, four of the twelve vehicles on the "Greener Choices of 2007" list are Toyota models—also more than those of any other automaker.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) produces GreenerCars.com, and rates vehicles using EPA and California Air Resources Board data plus calculations of emissions, including greenhouse gases.

Toyota campus reaches zero-waste-to-landfill milestone; receives major award
In January, Toyota announced that its multi-acre Torrance, California, headquarters campus achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status, a major environmental achievement. A comprehensive campus-wide recycling program and further waste sorting at vendor facilities have enabled a recycling rate of 80 percent. Remaining material is utilized as fuel to produce electrical energy.

Toyota's success is due in part to its Think Green! program, which institutionalizes the company's environmental ethic. Employees have volunteered to become Think Green! environmental "Champions," educating fellow employees on sustainable practices and ways to maximize waste reduction.

Recognizing these achievements, the California Integrated Waste Management Board has honored Toyota with its highest Waste Reduction Award, the Waste Reduction Program of the Year, out of a field of 1200 awardees. Toyota received the honor for its success at both its headquarters campus and Los Angeles Parts Distribution Center.

Toyota supports elementary school marine environmental education
The Toyota USA Foundation has granted $200,000 to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California, to help expand the Watershed Education Program. It is a hands-on marine science, environmental education, and maritime history curriculum for fifth-grade students and teachers in Southern California. Through field trips and classroom analysis, students research the San Juan Creek watershed, develop an environmental science project, and present their findings to board members and local leaders. The two-year grant will enable the Institute to reach an additional 900 students.

Toyota’s West Virginia plant joins EPA environmental quality program
Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia has become a member of the U.S. EPA’s National Environmental Performance Track, a voluntary program that rewards facilities for outstanding environmental performance. Qualifications to join include past achievements in energy, water, and waste reduction, a continuous commitment to environmental compliance, implementation of a strong Environmental Management System, and a commitment to future improvements and public outreach programs.

Colorado county adds Prius hybrids to fleet
The government of Eagle County, Colorado, has purchased 20 Prius hybrids for its fleet to replace SUVs, trucks, and sedans. County officials estimate that the change to hybrids will save more than $21,000 per year in fuel costs, and reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.

For information, contact Bill Kwong at bill_kwong@toyota.com. Produced by Robert Oberhand & Assoc., Los Angeles, CA, in conjunction with Toyota Corporate Communications Department.

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