Subaru Plant is Extremely Green

There’s a movement in corporate America to achieve zero-landfill status. That’s when a company operates without a bit of waste going into the trash; it’s all recycled. Subaru’s Lafayette, Ind., plant — where it builds the Outback, Legacy and Tribeca, along with some Toyota Camrys — has a 99.8% zero-landfill rating, and everything from scrap metal to plastic caps are reused or recycled, making it a pretty green plant.

The USA Today article doesn’t mention other U.S. automakers and if they’re as green, but it does say Toyota’s 14 assembly plants are 97% zero-landfill.

What’s really interesting is to hear that so much can be reused, and that it also helps save the company money. Even waste that isn’t made of recyclable materials is sent to an Indianapolis plant to be turned into steam for heat.

We’d be really interested in hearing how other automakers stack up. Subaru is also promoting its green status in commercials. Does knowing how environmentally sound the building practice of an auto company is impact whether you’d consider buying one of its cars?

It's Waste Not, Want Not at Super Green Subaru Plant (USA Today)

Comments

[devun]

Yes, I definitely look at every aspect when buying a vehicle.

[Phaeton]

Honestly I have never really thought about it before. The article brings up a good point. If we want to help change things environmentally, it would send one big message to other automakers if your buck went to the greener company. Hopefully a monkey see monkey do ideology is created. Ultimately it comes down to who makes the best car for the money. Environmental friendliness may just be an after thought but its nice to see that this is now a factor when before it was never really considered. Ok Subie, how about a diesel or boxer hybrid. Hehe, just wishful thinking ;)

[Rob Smith]

How often do people consider the "green" index of car dealerships themselves? We believe that retailers share in the responsibility for their environment, choosing green energy and looking at ISO14001 Environmental Management System as an option.

[James S. Klich II]

Wow, what a good example Subaru sets for the car industry in the United States. Subaru is ahead of the curve. All companies should operate like this. I have reduced my waste at my home by recycling. It is hard at first but gets easier over time. You want to recycle more and more. This practice should be followed by all U.S. companies. It will save you money in the end. I was never interested in a Subaru before but will consider it for a new car purchase in the future. The are saving a huge amount of waste from going into the ground.

[Hugo90]

Remember that this is an assembly plant, where the parts are not manufactured. Where is the foundry? Perhaps in Mexico or China.