Environmental Technology Overview

Honda constantly strives to utilize new and existing technologies for the betterment of the environment. To that end, we have embarked on the largest solar-cell project in the United States. At Honda Performance Development (HPD) headquarters, a 100-kilowatt, 800-cell array of thin-film CIGS solar panels was installed on the roof, carport and loading dock canopy. Energy produced from the project provides power to several areas of the HPD research-and-development campus, while reducing energy loads and CO2 emissions by approximately 64 metric tons annually. Take a look at the video here.

We also believe it is important to invest in the continued advancement of internal-combustion engine technology. Honda has introduced a new generation of gasoline engines around the world that have extremely low emission levels and increased fuel efficiency while maintaining the ability to improve driving performance.

Developing vehicles that use sustainable energy sources is perhaps the ultimate direction. Hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles have great potential for the future. Honda developed the first fuel-cell vehicle in the world to be certified by both the EPA and the state of California. And in 2008 we put the revolutionary FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) out on the road with select Southern California drivers.

Honda is also developing technologies to improve energy use in the home. The highly efficient MCHP, or Micro-Combined Heat and Power, system uses the principles of co-generation to heat and power your home. This unique technology can reduce greenhouse gas production by up to 30 percent.