The UK carbon reduction programme was implemented following a pilot scheme in 2009 that revealed substantial energy savings could be made without the need for heavy capital investment. By the end of 2011, all Toyota and Lexus Centres had been subject to surveys to identify where savings could be made. Centre principals were given training in energy management and all premises were equipped with energy monitoring devices to monitor progress.

Performance has been supported by a range of practical measures including the adjustment of heating and air conditioning systems to match building occupancy hours; automatic, remote powering down of computer equipment; and a heating inhibitor system that automatically switches heaters off after a pre-set time when workshop doors are open.

Some centres have also made individual investment in low energy equipment, such as LED lighting, which has been adopted by JEMCA Edgware and is proving 65% more efficient compared to the previous fittings. Meanwhile at Western Toyota Edinburgh, the business has installed a number of efficiency features, including a monitor that charts the centre’s renewable energy collection in real-time, on public view in the showroom.

Toyota’s ongoing energy saving activities have been recognised in independent awards and certifications and the carmaker has also been named as Manufacturer of the Year in the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership awards and as one of the Energy Savings Trust’s Fleet Heroes.

Thomas Rosselle, Toyota manager, corporate social responsibility and environmental affairs, said: ‘Our commitment to environmental responsibility is not confined to building clean and fuel-efficient vehicles, it extends to all areas of our business operations, not least our network of Toyota and Lexus centres.

‘The network’s achievement in cutting carbon emissions over the past year demonstrates what can be achieved and strengthens our determination to achieve our goal of a 20% reduction across our business.’