Our work to reduce the environmental impact of our manufacturing operations in North America includes efforts to reduce the energy intensity of production, as well as initiatives to use water and other natural resources more efficiently, and to reduce air emissions and waste generation.
CO2 Emissions
CO2 emissions from the consumption of electricity and natural gas, representing approximately 96% of CO2 emissions from Honda's North American manufacturing operations, totaled 1.02 million metric tons in Fiscal Year 2011, an increase of 13.3% from an 8-year low of 0.90 million metric tons in the previous fiscal year. This increase was due in large part to reduced production levels as a result of a weakened economy.
Energy Use
Total consumption of electricity and natural gas, representing 95% of total energy use in Honda's North American manufacturing plants, rose 14% from the Fiscal Year 2001 baseline and 6% from the previous fiscal year, primarily as a result of reduced production volumes, which were partially offset by ongoing conservation activities.
Waste
Honda set a target in Fiscal Year 2009 to achieve zero waste to landfill - defined as less than 1% of all operating waste, including mineral waste, sent to landfills - for all 14 of its North American manufacturing facilities by April 1, 2011. The target was achieved in Fiscal Year 2011, with 10 of 14 plants achieving absolute zero waste to landfill, and the average total landfill waste for all 14 plants amounting to less than 0.5% of all operating waste.
Water Use
Total water used for manufacturing in Fiscal Year 2011 rose 18% from the previous fiscal year, primarily as a result of hot weather conditions during the period. Average water use per unit of automobile production rose 5% to 820 gallons.
Air Emissions
Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from auto-body painting operations in Fiscal Year 2011 were down 3.3% from the previous fiscal year and decreased 51.7% from the Fiscal Year 2001 baseline.
