General Motors and Toyota manufacturing plants in North America were saluted at the 23rd annual Keystone Policy Center awards dinner this week.
Both automakers worked with the Wildlife Habitat Council on programs to expand – what else – habitat, support pollinator health and enhance biodiversity at their respective, sprawling manufacturing locations.
“Protecting species biodiversity is a key focus area for Toyota North America,” said Kevin Butt, regional director, North American environmental division. “Our team members are doing their part to ensure Toyota operates in harmony with its environment and supports healthy ecosystems for future generations to come.”
Toyota’s partnership with the Wildlife Habitat Council began in 2008, when Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, became the first Toyota plant to obtain certification to WHC’s “Wildlife at Work” and “Corporate Lands for Learning” programs.
But its other plants soon followed. Today, Toyota has more than 1,000 acres across nine sites certified “Wildlife at Work,” including:
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Cambridge plant
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Woodstock plant
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas
- Bodine Aluminum (Jackson, Tennessee)
The WHC’s Corporate Wildlife Habitat Certification/International Accreditation Program recognizes “commendable wildlife habitat management and environmental education programs.” Sites must demonstrate programs have been active for at least one year and have a management plan listing goals, objectives and prescriptions as well as complete documentation of all programs. A panel of WHC wildlife biologists and staff reviews the materials for certification eligibility and recognizes deserving projects in appropriate categories.
The Keystone Policy Center presents awards each year in various categories within its areas of practice including energy, environment, agriculture, public health, and education. Keystone also recognizes leaders in government and those who have an impact in the public interest.
