hybrid_philosophy
From the way we design our vehicles to the materials we use to produce our brochures, Lexus takes great care to minimize the impact on our environment. That's progress. That's taking action. That's the power of h.
Leaner Vehicles
The Lexus design team is committed to building automobiles that are extremely lean in their use of raw materials. Sophisticated computer modeling enables us to design vehicles
that are lighter in weight, without weakening their structure or eliminating desirable features. This allows a Lexus Hybrid to run cleaner and conserve natural resources.
Natural Materials
At Lexus, we've taken great strides toward increasing our use of natural materials in both our hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles. Kenaf, a highly sustainable grass plant similar to bamboo, is used inside the doors
and seatbacks and rear parcel shelves of some models. The seat foam of the HS is produced using oil derived from castor seeds. These innovations contribute to a 33% reduction in harmful CO2 over the life cycle of the HS [4].
LED Bulbs
The low-beam headlamps on the LS 600h L, and available on the RX 450h and HS 250h, feature Light-Emitting Diodes (LED), rather than conventional bulbs. This also holds true for the taillamps of every Lexus Hybrid model,
as well as those of most gas-powered Lexus vehicles. Not only do LEDs last significantly longer than conventional bulbs, they use less energy and contain no mercury.
Reusing Vehicle Waste
When seat cushions, floor mats and roof liners are made, the leftover bits are used as sound insulation in the doors, roof, floor and chassis. Any waste is burned in an incinerator with 85% thermal efficiency, which generates electricity and steam that
help power the manufacturing process. Our engineers also developed a special plastic called TSOP that can be recycled indefinitely. Used in everything from bumpers to dashboards, the TSOP formula has been made available to every auto manufacturer.
Reducing Energy and Water Usage
Lexus, as part of parent company Toyota Motor Sales., USA, Inc., is involved in a company-wide effort to reduce energy and water usage in all operations.
By fiscal year 2011, the company plans to reduce energy consumption of U.S. facilities by 18 percent when compared to fiscal year 2001.
Zero Landfill Status
Every Lexus manufacturing site maintains near zero-landfill status, meaning that 98 percent of manufacturing waste is recycled, repurposed or used to
generate additional energy. Even more impressive, the U.S. sales headquarters campus for Lexus has achieved zero-landfill status.
Working with Lexus Dealers
Lexus is committed to helping its dealers develop a greater understanding of sustainable design and to make the most environmentally appropriate choices. For instance, Lexus suggests the use of roofing materials
that can significantly reduce solar heat gain and lessen the load on air conditioning systems, which lowers dealer operating and maintenance costs while improving indoor air quality at the dealership.
Marketing Materials
Beginning with the brochures for our 2009 models, we'll be using a paper created specifically for Lexus that is comprised of 30% post-consumer
waste—a significant amount, especially when you consider the norm for luxury automotive brochures is only 10% post-consumer waste.
Philanthropy
To inspire the next generation to take action toward improving the environment, Lexus sponsors the $1 million Lexus Eco Challenge. In its first year, more than 3,500 middle- and high-school students tackled a wide
range of issues, from recycling solutions and water pollution to alternative energy and emissions reduction. For their efforts, $1 million in prizes were awarded to student teams, including two $50,000 grand prizes.
Electronic Waste
Lexus launched the “Keep IT Green” program in 1999 to recycle all sales and logistics IT electronic equipment throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. To date, the "Keep IT Green" program has diverted over 2.6 million pounds of
equipment from landfills. In addition, many Lexus locations have made arrangements for employees to bring electronics from home to be recycled, resulting in more than 40,000 pounds of equipment being processed.
[2] CAUTION! When driving a hybrid vehicle, pay special attention to the area around the vehicle. Because there is little vehicle noise in electric-only mode, pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.
[3] These vehicles produce about 70% fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.
[4] Calculation based on vehicle life cycle, including CO2 emissions of vehicle and materials, production, maintenance, disposal and driving over 150,000 miles compared to conventional non-hybrid gasoline vehicle of similar size-class.
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