Toyota’s Georgetown Plant Contributes to Global Environmental Goal
Landfill Gas Generator to Produce One Million Watts for Vehicle Production
The company recently announced its intent to virtually eliminate CO2 emissions from its factories and vehicles, and it’s about to flip the switch on a very tangible example of this effort. Toyota’s Georgetown, Ky., manufacturing plant will begin generating electricity from methane, a byproduct of trash decomposition at the nearby Central Kentucky Landfill on Nov. 23, 2015.
“We will generate one megawatt (1 million watts) per hour at the site,” said Toyota’s environmental strategies manager Dave Absher. “That’s enough annual energy generation to produce approximately 10,000 vehicles. The system can eventually be scaled up to 10 megawatts per hour.”
Toyota’s global headquarters recently announced a very aggressive goal of largely eliminating CO2 emissions from its vehicles and manufacturing plants by 2050. The launch of the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle this year; making its fuel cell patents available to other automakers; and developing manufacturing technologies that use hydrogen as a power source are specific initiatives mentioned within the plan. Alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and locally produced renewable energy also will be required to achieve the goal.
“The landfill gas generator represents the kind of thinking that our company is asking us to do to reduce our carbon footprint over the next 35 years,” said Kevin Butt, Toyota’s general manager for environment strategies. “It’s a small step, but a significant one. These types of changes to our manufacturing operations coupled with other global initiatives will help us reach this very aggressive goal.”
The project is a collaboration between Toyota’s Georgetown manufacturing plant and the Central Kentucky Landfill owned and operated by Waste Services of the Bluegrass. Landfills are required to monitor methane levels and report these levels to the EPA. Capturing and burning the methane has been determined by the EPA to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Toyota Georgetown’s project began in 2010 when the two companies met to discuss the potential. Last fall, Waste Services began installing a methane collection system and Toyota began installing the generator at the site. An underground electric transmission line runs from the landfill approximately 6.5 miles to deliver the electricity to the plant.
“This project was a true collaboration between the two companies,” said Absher. “There was also a tremendous amount of support from the local community, public utilities and elected officials to get the project off the ground.”
More information about Toyota’s environmental initiatives is available in the North American Environmental Report http://www.toyota.com/usa/environmentreport2015/ which was released this week.
About Johnstons Toyota in New Hampton, NY
Johnstons Toyota & Scion. Located in New Hampton, N.Y., we are proud to serve the entire Middletown area. We are a full service Toyota & Scion dealership offering new and pre-owned vehicles as well as service. As one of the largest New York area dealerships, you're sure to find the Toyota or Scion of your dreams. What sets us apart from other dealerships is our commitment to providing the 'Ultimate Experience' to all of our customers whether it's in the showroom, Service Department, or in the community. The 'Ultimate Experience' includes:
- A Toyota Presidents Award store for outstanding customer service
- Ultimate selection of new and pre-owned vehicles
- Competitive pricing
- One of the largest Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles inventories in the area
- Some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the area
- A large Service Center 20+ bay service department
- Factory trained ASE and Toyota Certified Master Technicians
- Commitment to community involvement
We have a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience satisfying our customers' needs. Feel free to browse our inventory online, request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!
Johnstons Toyota & Scion is located in New Hampton, New York. Our Toyota & Scion dealership has a great selection of new and used Toyota & Scion vehicles. If you're searching for a new car, browse our inventory for the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Yaris, Prius, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Rav4, Highlander, Tacoma or Tundra. If you would like to test drive any of these models, come down to 5015 Route 17M in New Hampton, New York. We also have a large selection of Certified Used Toyota and Scion vehicles as well as a vast selection of used vehicles from other top manufacturers to find the right car for you.
At Johnstons Toyota & Scion we don't just sell cars, we provide a complete car buying experience. Our service to you does not stop at sales, we provide our customers with everything from car repair services, auto parts sales to car loan and lease financing. Come visit us today at 5015 Route 17m in New Hampton, NY and let show you how easy the car buying experience can be at Johnstons Toyota & Scion
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