Monday, 25 October 2021 16:04

Nissan continues its race towards a carbon neutral society

Written by Evelyn Alas

In january 2021, Nissan set a carbon neutral goal for 2050 across the company's operations and product lifecycle. This goal is part of the Nissan Green Program, which comprises specific actions to reduce carbon emissions from corporate activities, products and services.

With this goal in mind, Nissan recently joined the United Nations "Race to Zero" campaign, accelerating the company's electrification and carbon neutrality goals. Nissan is the first japanese vehicle manufacturer to join the campaign.

Nissan has also signed the "Business Ambition for 1.5°C" campaign pledge, aligning itself with the goal of keeping global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It has also joined the Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative, a requirement for participation in the campaign. Carbon reduction targets well below 2°C have been validated by SBTi, ensuring they are aligned with climate science.

"By joining SBTi and participating in these campaigns, we renew our determination to work with like-minded businesses and local governments around the world to solve the challenges of climate change and achieve a sustainable society", said Makoto Uchida, CEO of Nissan.

"To accelerate global efforts and achieve carbon neutrality, Nissan will continue to address various issues in a responsible manner, including further promotion of electrification".

In 2010, Nissan launched LEAF, the world's first mass-market EV and, through new all-electric vehicles and electrified technologies being deployed around the world, continues to bring innovation and excitement to zero-emission driving and power.

Alberto Carrillo Pineda, director and co-founder of SBTi commented: "Bold and urgent action is needed to limit the worst effects of climate collapse and unlock a sustainable future for us all. Nissan is the first Japanese vehicle manufacturer to commit to the Business Ambition for 1.5° C campaign and, joins more than 700 companies around the world in working towards the most ambitious and robust science-based emissions reduction targets."

"By aligning with climate science, Nissan is making a clear statement that it is ready and willing to play its part in achieving the Paris Agreement. All other companies around the world must take immediate action to raise their climate ambitions and support the global economy to significantly reduce emissions and achieve net zero by 2050".

COP26 Chair-designate Alok Sharma said, "It is fantastic to see Nissan join Race to Zero. They are the first Japanese vehicle manufacturer to sign up and, through their battery manufacturing in the North East of England for EV's, they are demonstrating real leadership in the transition to net zero across the UK. By joining Race to Zero, Nissan is now part of the largest global alliance of companies, cities, investors, regions and universities committed to working together to halve global emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest".

Central to Nissan's carbon neutrality plans is the launch of electric vehicles and technologies. This began in 2010 and continues today with the expansion of Nissan's unique e-POWER technology and new all-electric vehicles such as the Nissan Ariya crossover. Nissan aims to have 100% of its all-new vehicle offerings electrified in key markets in Japan, China, the United States and Europe by the early 2030s.

Earlier this year, Nissan announced its long-term commitment to the ABB FIA Formula E ABB World Championship through the end of season twelve (2025-2026), bringing the excitement and fun of zero-emission EVs to a global audience.

To accelerate this journey, Nissan recently unveiled the Nissan EV36Zero, a model for the future of the automotive industry. In order to demonstrate the company's 360-degree approach to zero emissions - a new £1bn EV hub in the UK is bringing together EVs, renewable energy and battery production, to further the drive towards carbon neutrality.

In addition, the company unveiled Nissan Intelligent Factory, on a production line at its Tochigi plant, which aims to help the company achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

In addition to the development of new vehicles and technologies, Nissan will continue its work with partners globally to innovate and develop the electric ecosystem around EVs, covering renewable energy generation, energy storage, second-life uses for EV batteries and the continued development of the '4R' business model: reuse, remanufacture, resell, recycle - for the benefit of communities.