Honda continues to take firm steps in its goal of becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2050. The brand has just released its 2024 European environmental report, coinciding with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the introduction of Honda’s pioneering hybrid technology on our continent.
The report details, among others, initiatives such as the opening of the first ecological hydrogen production plant at Honda R&D Offenbach (Germany), and the distribution of the new “naked” motorcycles (without packaging) from Honda Motor Europe Logistics ( HMEL) in Ghent (Belgium).
European environmental report 2024 in detail
Honda Europe has published its 2024 European environmental report, setting out the company’s results on environmental sustainability across all of its products and operations in Europe.
The report, published for the 13th consecutive year, plays a crucial role in outlining progress and highlighting key achievements in Honda’s goal of achieving global carbon neutrality across all its products, operations and corporate activities by 2050.
Katsuhisa Okudapresident and director of Honda Motor Europe, said about the 2024 European environmental report: “Honda’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in all our products, services and corporate activities around the world by 2050 remains as strong as ever. In Europe, we have once again taken great steps to achieve this objective during the past year and Honda faces with confidence the fulfillment of its environmental and sustainability objectives.”
The 2024 European environmental report, which covers the fiscal year from April 2023 to March of this year, coincides with Honda’s celebration of 25 years since the introduction of its pioneering hybrid technology in Europe.
Building on the current European range of fully electrified cars, which includes the latest Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V, CR-V and e:Ny1 models, Honda has also introduced this year its new hybrid Prelude Concept and the cutting-edge all-electric Series 0.
Also continuing in 2024 was the development of Honda e:Progress, the intelligent vehicle charging service that allows users to quickly and easily access the most economical electricity rates with fewer carbon emissions. Already established in the UK and allowing drivers to save up to £2,000 a year on charging costs, the service has continued to spread across Europe.
Honda’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond automobiles and is evident throughout its operations. Key initiatives in the 2024 European Environment Report include:
- The SH125i Vetro scooter, featuring unpainted green semi-translucent body panels, which are much more efficient to manufacture and feature a 9.5% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to the previous model.
- Official opening of a solar-powered green hydrogen production and vehicle refueling station with capacity for 110 cars or 11 heavy vehicles at Honda R&D Offenbach
- Distribution of naked motorcycles from HMEL Ghent, reducing the use of road transport by 11% and the need to remove packaging upon arrival at Honda dealers
- Replacement of the traditional electric and gas heating systems at the Honda Italia Industriale SPA facilities with four new heat pumps, which has led to a reduction in CO₂ emissions of more than 700 tons
During the 2024 European environmental reporting period, Honda also increased the number of products that achieved the demanding HEPS (Honda Environmental Performance Standard) certification. This approval is granted to Honda vehicles and energy products that meet strict sustainability criteria due to their high efficiency, innovation and revolutionary design.
In 2024, Honda added seven new products to its list of HEPS approvals, which now stands at 86 across the entire range (13 cars, 30 motorcycles and 43 energy products).
A commitment to positive social impacts was also maintained through initiatives such as Honda’s employment of Ukrainian refugees in France and sponsorship of the Pride of Bracknell Forest Awards in the United Kingdom. As in previous years, Honda’s 2024 European Environmental Report also includes an overview of the brand’s global environmental performance, in the form of the extensive ESG Data Book 2024.
This highlights Honda’s continued achievements around the world and its plans to reduce emissions through factors such as improved recycling processes and greater use of renewable energy. Honda’s 2024 European environmental report can be downloaded in full here.
