Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has reached a major sustainability milestone by powering its Santa Rosa, Laguna manufacturing plant entirely with renewable energy in 2024, thus cutting Scope 2 CO₂ emissions and reaffirming its pledge to go “Beyond Zero” in environmental responsibility.
Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling consumed by the reporting company, according to the United Nations Office of Sustainable Development.
In a news release, TMP president Masando Hashimoto said the company’s “Beyond Zero” philosophy goes further than carbon neutrality, targeting broader social issues like safety, mobility, and connectivity.
“Achieving zero is no longer enough. We are creating new value—building a future where each move we make is driven by the vision of leaving the world in a better state,” he said.
The achievement is highlighted in TMP’s 11th Sustainability Report, released this week, which outlines the company’s non-financial performance and impact from January to December 2024.
Among TMP’s key accomplishments last year was its full shift to renewable energy for plant operations, coupled with a production expansion that led to a 267% increase in direct new hires.
The company also capped its Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, having produced over 204,000 Vios units locally from July 2018 to July 2024.
By prioritizing direct employment instead of contractual work, TMP fosters more stable livelihoods and long-term skills development; this approach is considered more sustainable for both workers and the automotive industry.
Local production also reduces the environmental footprint of imported vehicles by cutting transport-related emissions, further aligning with Toyota’s carbon-reduction goals.
The automaker is also investing ₱5.5 billion in a vehicle conversion facility that will support local production of its third model, the Next Generation Tamaraw.
In 2024, TMP recorded a 95% surge in electrified vehicle (xEV) sales, with 17 models across Toyota and Lexus now available in the Philippine market. To further demonstrate its multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, the company showcased the Corolla Cross H2 Concept vehicle along with hydrogen refueling infrastructure to policymakers and stakeholders.
“All these go to show that hydrogen has potential. Our goal is to reduce CO₂ emissions through various solutions beyond just electrification. Toyota hopes to bring more possibilities for the Philippines too,” said the TMP president.
Despite industry-wide challenges, TMP posted record sales of 215,756 units in 2024, securing its 23rd Triple Crown for leadership in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and overall sales. Revenues climbed to ₱242 billion, up 8% year-on-year.
TMP said it continues to support over 60,000 individuals across its network, offering above-minimum wage to direct employees and ensuring workplace safety, with zero fatalities and eight million safe man-hours logged in 2024.
While not required to publish sustainability reports as a non-listed large corporation, TMP has voluntarily done so for 11 years, aligning with international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The full report is available at Toyota Sustainability Report. V. Uy
