A new way to tan? No--it's the future of energy
Is solar energy the future of automotive production? Toyota sure seems to think so.
They've long been the leader in green technology across the industry, with new hybrid vehicles like the Prius, the Camry Hybrid, and the upcoming Toyota Mirai, but they're turning their eyes toward a new way of furthering their commitment to the environment and lessening their environmental impact.
By harnessing the power of the sun.
And while that may sound like the lead-in to an evil villain monologue in a bad movie, it's actually true--Toyota's giant new North American headquarters, located in Plano, will be utilizing a 7.75-megawatt solar system to provide up to 25 percent of its total electricity.
By placing solar panels on top of parking garages and open roof spaces, the building will be able to draw in solar power year-round, not only cutting costs for the company and giving them more room in the budget to dedicate to hybrid and alternative-energy research, but also cutting down on the business' carbon footprint. This is all a part of Toyota's goal to eliminate all of their carbon emissions, at least in operations, within the next 30 years.
2016 Toyota Mirai
Kevin Butt, Regional Director of the North American Environmental Division, says this of the project:
“We are dedicated to making sure our new headquarters campus supports – even redefines – Toyota’s commitment to the environment ... The Plano solar system will not only reduce our environmental footprint and educate team members about renewable energy, it moves us closer to Toyota’s 2050 global environmental challenge to eliminate carbon emissions in all operations.”
This massive system will be the largest solar installation on-site at a non-utility corporate office in the entire state of Texas, and it will help Toyota take a big step toward achieving USGBC Platinum LEED Certification for their tech-savvy new campus.
Now that's giving a whole new meaning to "catching some rays" in the beautiful Texas sun!
