Volvo has been recognized as the most sustainable automotive company from 200 participating companies in the areas of energy efficiency, traffic safety programs and community actions in Brazil by the the business publication Exame Magazine’s Sustainability Guide for 2014.

The selection of companies included in the guide is based on a methodology created by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation, a post-graduation institute in Brazil that evaluates the economic, social, environmental and general aspects of the companies. Being recognized as the most sustainable company in its sector is the outcome of a long track record of investments made by the Volvo Group in Brazil, according to the automaker.

Volvo has made significant energy and emission reductions in Brazil over the past 10 years. The energy used in vehicle production has been cut by 63 percent while carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 48.5 percent. Several measures have been taken to achieve this, including the reuse of heat generated by machinery in the Curitiba plant to produce hot water for the plant, the installation of systems that automatically shut down machines when not in use, improvements to lighting systems and further recycling of solid waste.

Volvo said it has also obtained a good score in the social dimension, for its targeted Volvo Traffic Safety Program and for community actions around the plant.

“For some time now, we have focused on a number of activities in Brazil, improving our environmental footprint and building knowledge of traffic safety in a program that has been beneficial for both society and the Volvo Group. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is very much at the heart of the Volvo Group in Brazil and we regard this award as important recognition of our commitment,” said Niklas Gustavsson, chief sustainability officer Volvo Group.

In September 2014, the Volvo Group was recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable companies through its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI).