Honda’s Environmental Initiatives

July 21st, 2014 by

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Honda has always realized its obligations to minimizing its environmental impacts and has consistently made strides to improve its procedures. If companies in the automotive industry did not consider their environmental impact, the consequences could be catastrophic for the future. In 2011, Honda designed and implemented the Honda Environmental Performance Standards (HEPS) system. This system categorizes and certifies products and their standings as far as the company’s long term environmental goals.

Honda has a mind to eventually cut their environmental impact to be as minimal as possible, and are focused on having zero CO2 emissions altogether. However, the automotive industry’s current dependence on fuel burning combustion engines makes it impossible to reach zero CO2 emissions immediately. But, with a consistent and focused effort over time, the goal can be reached. Right now, Honda is focused on three main aspects of their goal, referred to as the Triple Zero. These goals aim to eliminate the life cycle emissions of products, from manufacture, to use and then on to disposal of the vehicle and the end of its life.

The first aspect of HEPS is to endorse Hi Efficient Products, this consists of a focus on thew improved functional efficiency of products. This division includes innovations in combustion engine and transmission technology to produce the most efficient vehicles possible. This is Honda’s counter to the current state of the industry. We rely on fossil fuels, but we know the technology very well so the mechanics can be as refined as possible to make the most minimal environmental impact.

The second aim is on Innovative Products, specifically products that innovate in a way to make them more environmentally friendly through technology or the use of alternative energy. Honda has new technologies across the board, from their hybrid drivetrains to a Idling Stop System incorporated on to some motorcycle models to cut emissions while stopped in traffic.

These first two aspects focus on a consistent reduction in CO2 emissions based on a comparison to the preceding model.

The third aspect of this initiative, Revolutionary Products, is focused on long term, more permanent solutions to eliminating CO2 emissions. These products aim to use completely new technologies to eliminate our reliance on  fossil fuels by harnessing electromotive technology and other completely new opportunities for energy generation.

Through these initiatives, Honda is one of the most environmentally conscious companies in the world and will maintain a focus on eliminating CO2 emissions altogether.  Reply with your thoughts below!