Nissan regards carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions management to be one of the most pressing challenges we face today. In connection with the continuous growth we are experiencing in our production volume, the key challenge is how we can best approach this issue on a global scale and with a long-term perspective.

CO2 emissions are released throughout the various stages of a vehicle’s lifecycle, from the raw material stage to manufacturing and finally to recycling. Most of these emissions occur while the vehicle is in use, making emissions reduction at this stage our highest technical priority.

Protecting the Air, Water and Soil

The severe pollution problems Japan experienced in the 1960s taught us the great importance of protecting the air, water, and soil.

Nissan has continued to work proactively on these issues, steadily setting increasingly demanding standards and goals in product development and production. In 1999, we registered Japan’s first U-LEV*1 vehicle, and in 2000, the world’s first PZEV*2 vehicle, earning Nissan the status of a global leader in this field.

Since then, environmental protection and safety standards in Japan have reached a relatively high level compared to other industrialized countries and corresponding laws and regulations have been implemented at each of our plants.

*1 U-LEV: A vehicle that emits 50% fewer exhaust emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) than the level prescribed in the year 2000 Japanese exhaust emissions standards.

*2 PZEV (Partial-Zero-Emissions Vehicle): Certification issued by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in the state of California (USA)

Recycling of Resources

Vehicles are manufactured using the Earth’s finite resources. Our goal is to manufacture in such a way as to generate no waste and to prevent the vehicles produced from becoming waste at the end of their serviceable lives.

The environmental issues impacting automakers will undoubtedly continue to grow more complex and diverse over the coming years. Each era has its own special circumstances and key issues in the same way that each country or region requires specific solutions to its problems. Nissan is determined to remain abreast of these changes and to implement appropriate and effective responses.

We realize that it is through sincere communication in which Nissan can best inform stakeholders of our approach and initiatives, while listening closely to our stakeholders’ opinions and establishing relationships of trust. In brief, “technological development” and “the extensive application of that technology” are crucial to Nissan’s efforts to contribute to the realization of sustainable mobility.

Nissan understands that only through fruitful communication and teamwork with society will it be possible to lower the environmental impact on the real world.

Nissan Green 2010

Nissan’s environmental philosophy of “Symbiosis of people, vehicles and nature” reflects our commitment to create a sustainable mobile society for the future.

At Nissan, we take a holistic approach in our efforts to manage environmental impact, and this is integrated into every aspect of our operation, from the manufacturing process to our dealerships. Nissan is focused on three core areas related to the environment: 1. Reducing CO2 emissions 2. Reducing exhaust emissions 3. Accelerating recycling efforts.

We are continually developing new technologies that would support reduced emissions, improved fuel efficiencies and alternative power trains including hybrids and electric vehicles. As a responsible corporate citizen, Nissan is committed to play our role towards the long-term sustainability of our planet for the benefit of future generations.

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