Toyota’s sustainability commitment
Toyota New Zealand has reaffirmed its industry-leading sustainability commitment with the publication of its 2013 sustainability report assessing the company’s environmental, social and economic impacts.
The report details activities from vehicle fuel efficiency to contribution to local economies, and from customer satisfaction to employee satisfaction. Community partnerships, environmental management and dealer Enviro-Mark ratings are all highlighted.
CEO Alistair Davis says Toyota’s commitment – as the only car company in New Zealand to publish a report, and one of only 19 New Zealand companies to report publicly – demonstrates a real and serious commitment.
“We know sustainability is more important than ever and New Zealanders rightfully expect companies to be genuine and transparent. For Toyota, this is more than just reporting - we believe in trying to make a difference and we are happy to share what we are doing about it,” he says.
The 2013 report, which covers the two years to March 2013, is Toyota’s fifth biennial sustainability report.
Alistair says one of Toyota’s core beliefs is that every day is an opportunity to improve. “This report gives us that opportunity by providing a benchmark of what we have achieved so far. From there we can identify the next steps in order to improve.
“While we are proud of our past achievements, complacency can never be allowed to creep in – this report keeps us honest by publicly and transparently recording our progress.”
Alistair, who is also a member of the Sustainable Business Council Advisory Board, says it is time for more New Zealand companies to commit to this type of reporting. Toyota’s 2013 report, externally assured by KPMG to a B+ level under the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3.1 framework, is entitled Renewal, to signify Toyota’s drive to constantly renew and reinvigorate the way it does business.
The report highlights a quarter century of market leadership in New Zealand for Toyota, a business which currently injects around $100 million per year into the New Zealand economy through salaries alone. It continues to increase its support of Kiwis through its Believe scholarships and a growing range of community partnerships.
The 2013 Interbrand survey named Toyota its Best Global Green Brand for the third year in a row and the 2013 sustainability report highlights a number of local environmental milestones for Toyota New Zealand.
Toyota New Zealand Environment Officer Tristan Lavender says while the business has grown and become busier during the reporting period, the commitment to reducing environmental impacts long-term is stronger than ever.
One of the most significant gains in this area is the progress of the nationwide dealer network with the Enviro-Mark externally certified Environmental Management System (EMS).
Toyota is the only New Zealand vehicle dealership network with an externally certified EMS.
“As part of the Enviro-Mark programme all dealers have set up programmes to manage CO2 emissions and wastewater as well as individual projects focused on an impact of their choice,” he says.
He adds that the way forward for Toyota is to continue to improve the way it measures its carbon footprint in all operations, including freight, and set targets to reduce emissions.
The report also highlights an increase in the number of Toyota models available as hybrids, with large corporates leading the charge in converting their fleets from conventional models to hybrids.
The Toyota New Zealand 2013 Sustainability Report is available on the company’s website athttp://www.toyota. co.nz/AboutUs/Sustainability/