VW Nearly Doubles Target Cuts in Emissions from Manufacturing

Volkswagen AG now expects to slash the emissions and energy usage from its VW brand production operations 45% worldwide by 2025 compared with levels in 2010.

The company originally aimed for an average 25% reduction in carbon dioxide and solvent emissions, waste production, and energy and water consumption by 2025. But it has already exceeded that goal.

From 2010 to the end of 2016, VW lowered its energy and water usage by 34% and 28%, respectively, cut CO2 emissions 29%, reduced waste 59% and trimmed solvent emissions by 8%.

VW notes that eight of its locations have switched to 100% renewable energy sources. The company says it also has optimized 16 paint shops and lowered the off-production energy consumption of its plants by an average 16%. Environmental initiatives to date are saving VW more than €20 million ($22 million) annually, according to the company.