Toyota Create New Plant Species to Offset Prius Factory CO2

Published November 02, 2009 @ 07:08AM PT

Toyota have moved into the horticultural industry, creating two new species of flowers specifically developed for the grounds of the Prius plant in Toyota City, Japan.

The flowers are designed to take heat out of the atmosphere and absorb nitrogen oxides. The leaves of the flowers will also create water vapor, reduce the temperature of the factory's surroundings, lowering the amount of energy needed to cool it.

It's not just a smart and scientifically incredible PR stunt, but part of a 20 year effort to reduce the Prius plant's carbon emissions — since 1990 they've cut it by 55 per cent. Last year Toyota planted 50,000 trees to offset emissions from the factory. But you've got to wonder whether they should focus on producing greener cars, rather than reducing the emissions of the production process. "Critics claim the Prius production process creates more CO2 than normal petrol vehicles, nullifying the lower CO2 output of the car itself," report Drive.com.au. Reported reductions in CO2 needs to be balanced against the net carbon impact of the Prius if Toyota really want to please the grass roots.

Photo credit: Alan Miles

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