Toyota dealership is the first to achieve LEED "green building" certification
Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney, Texas, is the nation's first LEED-certified automotive dealership. The 50,090 sq. ft. facility was designed from the ground up with environmental considerations, including orienting the back of the building eastward to minimize heating effects from the afternoon sun. Other features include recycled aluminum exterior panels, UV-blocking double-pane windows, a cistern to capture condensation and rainwater, a membrane roof to reduce energy use, few or no VOC interior components, and a closed-loop recycled car wash system.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is a benchmark standard established by the U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org). Pat Lobb Toyota received its LEED certification after meeting evaluation standards in six required areas: sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process.

Prius available in new Touring Edition for 2007
For the first time, Prius buyers will be able to select a special Touring Edition, featuring a more spirited driving response from a European-tuned suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels. The 2007 Prius Touring Edition is distinguished by a larger rear spoiler, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, and integrated fog lamps.
Prius is the best-selling hybrid vehicle in the U.S. and the world. It has the highest estimated fuel efficiency rating of any midsize car sold in America, with estimated EPA ratings of 60 mpg in city driving, 51 mpg on the highway, and 55 mpg in combined driving.

Toyota brings U.S. high school teachers to Galapagos for environmental programs
The Toyota International Teacher Program is sending twenty secondary classroom teachers from ten states to the Galapagos Islands this fall. Toyota granted $1.2 million to the program, administered by the Institute of International Education, a Washington, D.C., international exchange organization. For ten days, the participants will explore the islands' rich environmental heritage, observe environmental projects, and share innovations in teaching environmental stewardship with Galapagueño teachers.

Toyota has also worked with the World Wildlife Fund to establish and implement a Galapagos Energy Blueprint for transforming the high-polluting energy systems on the islands to cleaner, more sustainable systems.

Toyota sponsors National Public Lands Day
For the eighth consecutive year, Toyota has sponsored National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest national hands-on volunteer project for improving the environment. Across the country, Toyota associates joined other volunteers to plant trees, clear brush, maintain trails, reseed barren lands, eliminate invading plant species, restore natural habitats, and clean up beaches. Associates also presented grants to a number of parks, associations, and nonprofit organizations for activities related to the preservation and restoration of public lands.

Toyota also sponsored the National Public Lands Day Tour, which brought NPLD activities, public events, and grant giving to twelve locations around the country in August and September.

Toyota plant takes environmental action in California
The Environmental Affairs department of Toyota's New United Motor Manufacturing, Incorporated (NUMMI) assembly plant in northern California recently held an E-Waste and Latex Paint Recycling Day. Toyota associates and on-site contractors dropped off surplus and waste paint, plus e-waste such as televisions, computers, monitors, power cables, and video game systems.