ERLANGER, KY – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., (TEMA), with a 2008 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency. TEMA's accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Apr. 1.

TEMA, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2003, was honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency and management across its ten manufacturing operations in the United States. Across the nation, top companies and organizations are continuing to promote energy efficiency through participation in ENERGY STAR. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $16 billion on their energy bills and helped reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

"Protecting the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emission while improving energy efficiency is a top priority of our team members," said Steve St. Angelo, TEMA senior vice president. "Our commitment to the environment is a strong business case that not only helps our bottom line, but demonstrates our goal to be the most admired in town in the communities where we do business."

Examples of energy improvement at TEMA's U.S. facilities include:

• Replacing plant lights with new technology efficient lights, saving $500,000 annually and reducing CO₂ emissions by 10,242 metric tons, equal to 730 homes.

• Reduce weekend and non-production energy usage, saving $103,000 annually and reducing CO₂ emissions by 1,596 metric tons, equal to 115 homes.

• Reduce water use during the paint process, saving $185,000 annually and reducing water use by 50 gallons per vehicle.

Since 2002, Toyota has reduced its overall energy usage per vehicle by 21 percent and CO₂ emissions per vehicle by 20 percent, equal to 17,000 homes. These overall energy savings equate to savings of $26 million.

The 2008 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program, including energy-efficient products, services, and new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial, and public sectors. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.