Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has signed its first virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) in Japan for 63 megawatts (MW) of clean energy from the Rusutsu Wind Power Plant in Hokkaido, Japan. Scheduled to start in September 2025, this VPPA marks the largest in the Hokkaido region and will help Honda advance toward its global clean energy goals.

Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain and is nearing its goal of supplying 100% of the electricity it uses in North America from carbon-free sources. Honda’s 200 MW VPPA with Samson Solar Energy Center in Texas for 482,000 MWh/year of power and 120 MW VPPA with Boiling Springs Wind Farm in Oklahoma for 530,000 MWh/year cover more than 60% of the electricity Honda uses in North America as well as help to reduce the CO₂ emissions from its U.S. auto manufacturing operations.

Honda continues to purchase electricity from the local utility for each manufacturing facility, but receives and retires renewable energy certificates (RECs) equal to the power produced through the VPPAs, resulting in net zero CO₂e emissions from electricity use within Honda’s Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama manufacturing operations. The VPPAs raise the total use of renewable electricity to more than 80% for North America.

A virtual power purchase agreement is a way for Honda to purchase renewable energy in locations where it is unable to purchase renewables from the local electric utility. Honda agrees to purchase electricity from a renewable energy supplier, but the clean energy does not go directly to Honda’s facilities; instead it is sold into the electricity grid where the clean power is generated. However, Honda’s “virtual purchase” of renewable energy adds more clean energy into the nation’s electricity grid. This reduces the amount of electricity generated by fossil fuels, reducing the CO₂ emissions of using electricity.

In addition to the VPPAs, Honda continues its efforts to generate renewable power onsite at its North American operations. To date, Honda has installed 7.3 MW of renewable wind and solar power at its facilities across North America.

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Earlier this year, Tony Honda achieved ENERGY STAR certification, becoming one of only four Honda dealerships nationwide to earn the distinction. Dealer Principals (pictured below, from left) Stan Masamitsu and Tim Dagenais, along with Director of Technology & Projects Bryan Hsu, share more about their roles and the initiatives that earned Tony Honda both the Honda Green Dealer Environmental Leadership Award and ENERGY STAR Certification. Tony Honda is located on the beautiful island of Oahu, making their energy-conscious projects essential for business.

Tony Honda has received the Green Dealer Award for an impressive five years in a row. Why is this important to your dealership?

While being recognized for our energy efforts is always appreciated, we believe the “why” behind the accolade inspires us to maintain our standing every year. In Hawaii, there is a profound cultural emphasis on environmental stewardship. Our beautiful oceans and skies are not just scenery; they are integral to our way of life and deserve our utmost respect. At Tony Honda, part of our commitment to our community is contributing to our shared responsibility of preserving the land for future generations.

What prompted you to join the Honda Environmental Leadership Program in 2014?

We work with other manufacturers who don’t offer similar programs. We were impressed with Honda’s commitment to sustainability, which extends beyond energy-efficient vehicles to include green practices in their own facilities.

By the time the program began, we had already implemented photovoltaic (PV) systems, installed LED lighting and upgraded our HVAC system to more energy-efficient models. The Green Dealer Program aligned perfectly with our existing sustainability efforts and further supported our goals.

Speaking of PVs, tell us about Tony Honda’s extensive solar panel installation.

Hawaii’s electricity costs are among the highest in the country, so 10 years ago, we installed PV panels. More recently, we upgraded to more efficient panels and added a battery storage system. These improvements have significantly reduced our electricity bills by storing excess energy and lowering our reliance on the grid. We also benefit from valuable federal and state tax credits. Solar panels are widely used here, visible on many homes, businesses and even at the local Costco.

How do you think an energy-efficient store sets you up for success in Honda’s electrified future?

There are benefits to focusing on energy-efficient setups at dealerships. Our PV solar panels and battery storage systems helped offset the increased electrical demand, especially with the introduction of Level 3 chargers and handle demand usage spikes that typically would lead to higher utility costs. These systems also decrease our reliance on utility companies and their increasing rates, while protecting against power outages and similar disruptions.

Upgrading to a PV system made sense for the Tony Honda facility, and it continues to prove worthwhile for the business years later. However, we understand that some dealerships might not have the electrical infrastructure to support all the current and future EV chargers that American Honda will require their dealers to deploy.

What are some of the biggest benefits to being part of the program?

The Green Dealer Program provides substantial cost savings and ensures we stay up to date with evolving award and certification requirements. Knowing the benchmarks we need to meet has been incredibly valuable. The Green Dealer Program is also a pivotal resource for research, planning, design, and navigating available tax credits, rebates and grants. Being a part of the Green Dealer Program has saved us a significant amount of time.

What has been your biggest learning through the process of implementing energy-efficient measures?

It’s crucial to partner with high-quality vendors when developing your PV and battery storage systems. With so many options available, vendors must be capable of designing and engineering extensive systems to meet your specific size and capacity needs. It is essential to be confident in your vendor’s technical expertise and know-how as panels and batteries evolve, making compatibility and ongoing support possible.

Out of all the sustainable initiatives you’ve put into place, which has had the biggest impact as far as cost savings?

PV solar and battery storage have had the most significant impact on cost savings. Upgrading to LED lighting for energy efficiency is another major contributor.

Tell us about the brand new, ground-up facility you’re building in Kona on the Big Island.

Starting from the ground up presents exciting opportunities. We aim to make our new Kona facility as green and off-grid as possible, incorporating a PV system with battery storage and a backup generator. We’re also integrating extensive recycling programs and innovative water conservation measures, including brackish water landscape irrigation, grey water recycling and atmospheric water generation. Green Dealer is assisting us by reviewing our plans and offering practical feedback. It’s an exhilarating project.

To learn more about the program, visit greendealer.honda.com.

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• Hampton University and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff selected by fans as final two bands in 2025 HBOB lineup
• Nick Cannon, star of the classic film “Drumline,” will serve as HBOB celebrity host
• Tickets for Feb. 1, 2025 showcase now on sale at www.hondabattleofthebands.com

Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), the nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands, today revealed the full lineup of participating schools and announced that multi-hyphenate entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon will serve as the celebrity host for the event’s first-ever West Coast show on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Watch the reveal video of the full marching band lineup at https://honda.us/HBOB2025Lineup.

HBOB fans have made their voices heard, casting votes online to select the final two bands to perform at the live event: Hampton University and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.

The full HBOB 2025 lineup includes:

• Alabama A&M University – Marching Maroon and White Band
• Alabama State University – Mighty Marching Hornets
• Hampton University – The Marching Force
• North Carolina A&T University – Blue and Gold Marching Machine
• Southern University – Human Jukebox Marching Band
• University of Arkansas Pine Bluff – Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South

Honda will provide an institutional grant to each of the six schools for their respective music education programs and support the bands’ travel expenses to the Invitational Showcase in Los Angeles. All 52 bands that participated in the voting process will also be awarded an HBOB Legacy Grant from Honda.

“Honda is thrilled to continue our longstanding support of the HBCU community through HBOB which is a core part of our Drive the Legacy initiative,” said Jasmine Cockfield, the project leader for Honda Battle of the Bands at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We congratulate each of this year’s participating HBCU bands and are confident that they will put on a memorable show for HBOB fans that promises to be a showcase for the ages.”

Honda has supported HBCUs for over 35 years, recognizing their critical role in providing higher education and opportunities for advancement to the Black community. This support includes scholarships, programming, and initiatives that celebrate the dreams and potential of HBCU students, helping shape them into future leaders. Through HBOB and the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, Honda has awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facilities improvements, impacting the lives of more than 300,000 students.

Nick Cannon to Serve as HBOB Celebrity Host

The host for the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands will be multi-hyphenate entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon. Among his many film and TV credits, Cannon starred in the classic 2002 film “Drumline,” that elevated public awareness and enthusiasm about the ingenuity and creativity that is synonymous with HBCU marching band and dance troupe culture.

“Honda Battle of the Bands has been a cherished celebration for fans of HBCU marching bands, resonating deeply with generations who hold Black culture close to their hearts,” said Cannon. “Hosting HBOB’s first-ever West Coast show is an honor. We’re going to create unforgettable moments together.”

New Band Selection Process for 2025 Event

In addition to hosting its first-ever West Coast showcase, HBOB also reimagined its approach to the band selection process. In July, the Honda Legacy Council selected North Carolina A&T University and Southern University to perform at HBOB 2025. From there, each university issued a challenge to one other eligible HBCU marching band to perform at the upcoming live event, with North Carolina A&T University challenging Alabama A&M University, and Southern University challenging Alabama State University.

Honda launched a public voting phase on July 16 and invited fans to help determine the final two bands in the lineup. Fans could vote for their favorite band once per day through August 15. The two bands receiving the highest number of votes from a roster of 52 eligible schools were awarded the final two spots in the HBOB 2025 lineup.

Tickets & Additional Event Information

Tickets for HBOB 2025 are on sale now at www.hondabattleofthebands.com.

In addition to the Invitational Showcase, Honda is collaborating with National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) to host NCRF’s annual Black College Expo. The Black College Expo will be held at SoFi Stadium prior to HBOB on Saturday, February 1, and feature over 200 colleges, including HBCUs and other private and public colleges, with over $10 million available in scholarships. Students have the opportunity to be accepted on the spot to select colleges and HBCUs. More details are available at www.blackcollegeexpo.com.

“We are so excited to partner with Honda Battle of the Bands, changing lives by providing access and opportunities to higher education,” said NCRF founder and CEO Dr. Theresa Price. “It is heartwarming to work with an organization that shares the same vision as NCRF.” 

For the latest HBOB news, including exclusive content, follow along on social media and join the conversation using #HBOB.

• Instagram – @the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda
• Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands
• X – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda

Honda and Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Honda has supported the success and dreams of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students for 35 years, through programs such as the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands. These initiatives have impacted the lives of more than 300,000 students and provided over $14 million in grants toward HBCU education programs and facilities improvements.

Through its “Drive the Legacy” initiative, Honda also partners with HBCUs and organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, National Urban League, and local UNCF chapters, to provide annual scholarship funding and offer development opportunities to HBCU students. Through these efforts, Honda aims to recruit top talent for its future workforce. To advance its leading investment in HBCUs, Honda also is a member of the HBCU Partnership Challenge, a Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus initiative that brings together government, industry and HBCUs to create strategic, more sustainable HBCU partnerships.

Learn more at https://www.honda.com/community/diversity-reports.

About SoFi Stadium

SoFi Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke in Inglewood, Calif. The 3.1 million-square-foot SoFi Stadium is the largest stadium in the NFL, as well as the first indoor-outdoor stadium. It seats approximately 70,000, expandable up to 100,000, with more than 260 luxury suites and more than 13,000 premium seats. SoFi Stadium was host to Super Bowl LVI in 2022, the College Football National Championship in 2023, WrestleMania in 2023, the annual LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk, and was ranked the No. 1 stadium in the world for top-grossing concert and live event ticket sales in 2023. SoFi Stadium is set to host eight FIFA World Cup ‘26 matches, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in 2028. Adjacent to the stadium and sitting under the same roof canopy is the 2.5-acre American Airlines Plaza and the 6,000-seat YouTube Theater.

About National College Resources Foundation

National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) was founded in 1999. The nonprofit hosted its first Black College Expo in 2000 in California with over 35,000 people in attendance. National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational enhancement organization, located in California with a broad national reach, whose mission is to curtail the high school dropout rate and increase degree and/or certificate enrollment among underserved, underrepresented, at risk, low resource, homeless and foster students. The vision to close the gap in educational achievement, workforce and economic disparities with the goal to end racism and racial inequality. NCRF has helped more than 600,000 students get into college and secured more than 5 billion dollars in scholarships and grants for students. NCRF has collaborated with HBCU Huston-Tillotson University (HT) to bring an HT Satellite campus to California in Spring of 2025.

The post Honda Battle of the Bands Reveals Full Marching Band Lineup for First-ever Showcase in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium; Nick Cannon Named as Host appeared first on Honda Corporate Social Responsibility.

• Funding is awarded to organizations driving sustainable change aligned with Honda CSR pillars: Education, Environment, Mobility, Traffic Safety and Community
• Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2024
• Funding awards will be announced in spring 2025

Based on its longstanding dedication to supporting the communities where Honda associates live and work, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation are announcing the opening of their annual funding cycle for eligible nonprofit organizations and schools. All applications for funding must be received by October 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time), with awards to be announced in spring 2025.

Eligible organizations include those that support communities near Honda locations and align with the available pillar award categories: Education, Environment and Traffic Safety for Honda, as well as Mobility for the Honda USA Foundation, and seek to enrich the lives of individuals in marginalized communities.

Honda and the Honda USA Foundation will award requests for program support within a $25,000 to $100,000 range. Each request will be evaluated based on its own merit, taking into consideration community needs and available funding. More details about the specific eligibility requirements and available funding opportunities are outlined within the award criteria.

This year, applicants will see refined pillar award categories that embody Honda’s ambitious 2050 goals: achieving zero environmental impact, zero traffic collision fatalities and preparing a future-ready workforce. Recognizing that the successful achievement of these goals will take an intentional, collaborative effort, Honda is excited to partner with organizations with similar goals.

Additionally, the Honda USA Foundation has updated its mobility pillar award category to boost its impact and broaden its reach to now serve individuals of all ages with disabilities. Persons with disabilities are a marginalized group facing numerous barriers to accessing services, education and employment opportunities. Honda USA Foundation’s funding opportunities this year will focus exclusively on this mobility pillar award and creating spaces where the Joy and Freedom of Mobility may be experienced by all.

“As a company dedicated to improving the communities where we do business and helping people reach their full life’s potential, Honda is excited to invite organizations to apply for support through our annual funding cycle,” said Bobbie Trittschuh, manager of Charitable Giving at Honda and executive director of the Honda USA Foundation. “Based on our strong legacy of supporting impactful local and national organizations, we look forward to collaborating to enhance our communities to create a lasting impact.”

New this year, Honda will be accepting applications for program-related funding during the upcoming application window of September 1 to October 31, 2024. Organizations seeking to specifically secure community event sponsorship support such as galas, festivals, walks/runs, parades etc., will follow a different schedule and are encouraged to check back on January 2, 2025, when the “events only” application will go live.

Visit Honda’s funding opportunities page to apply.

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Honda has planted 85,000 trees in Union County, Ohio as part of the company’s latest effort to enhance biodiversity and reduce its environmental footprint. The 85,000 trees planted on 100 acres of Honda-owned land along the Flat Branch Creek near its Marysville Auto Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant and Auto Development Center will increase the company’s carbon sequestration efforts, improve existing riparian buffers, and serve as home for a diverse group of insects, animals, birds and plants. The native trees will be known as the “Honda Power of Dreams Forest.”

As part of this work, Honda partnered with a local farmer to implement USDA conservation agricultural practices that will help strengthen water quality in the Flat Branch Creek. Honda also is working with a neighboring farm to develop a tree-based system focused on maple trees for syrup production. This not only creates another sustainable local source of maple syrup but also aligns with the farm’s existing agricultural activities and the environmental efforts Honda is promoting. Ultimately, the syrup will be made available for sale at a local farmers market, further strengthening local sustainability.

“These trees represent the Power of Dreams of our Honda associates who identified a beneficial way to capture carbon and support Ohio’s water quality goals,” said Larry Geise, executive vice president of Honda Development & Manufacturing of America. “Initiatives like this will not only help Honda reach our goal to be carbon neutral by 2050 but will also help enhance the local ecosystem and support local farms.”

In May, Honda held a celebratory event at its Auto Development Center with associates and state officials where they had the opportunity to plant a tree to symbolize the effort to enhance biodiversity and carbon capture in the area.

Pictured L-R – Honda associate Mahjabeen Qadir, State Representative Tracy Richardson, Honda associate Joel Agner, Honda associate Craig Lloyd, Ohio EPA Director Anne Vogel

“This project advances Governor DeWine’s commitment to enhance Ohio’s most abundant natural resource,” said Anne Vogel, director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. “These trees will act as a natural filtration system, ensuring the water in the streams remains clean and healthy. Today’s event reflects Honda’s tangible investment in this local community where the company has taken root.”

The trees planted by Honda are native to Ohio and include Hazelnut, Hickory, Maple, Oak and Sycamore, all of which contribute to the local agroforestry system. Honda is also exploring how the Maple and Hazelnut trees can be made accessible to Honda associates who want to utilize the syrup and nuts of those perennial plantings.

“This ‘Honda Power of Dreams Forest’ is representative of what you can do at Honda,” said Joel Agner, the tree-planting project leader. “If you have a dream and can illustrate how it serves our customers and strengthens our society, Honda will support you in making that dream come true.”

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Key Points

• Honda has been recognized, for the 3rd consecutive year, as one of the Top 50 Companies for Diversity in 2024 by Fair360, formerly DiversityInc.
• The company ranked 35th, climbing from the 48th spot in 2023.

Honda was again named as one of the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by Fair360, formerly DiversityInc. This marks the third consecutive year that the organization has recognized Honda’s efforts. Honda ranked 35th on the list this year, up from number 48 in 2023.

“I’m very encouraged by the progress we’ve made to advance inclusion and diversity across all Honda business operations in North America,” said Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Inclusion isn’t a destination, but a journey of continuous learning, and I look forward to moving ahead on a path that helps Honda live our values in each and every area of our business. Our progress shows that when we support our commitment with deliberate action, we can advance diversity together with our communities to make each other stronger.”

Initiated in 2001, the Fair360 Top 50 survey is an evaluation tool used by major U.S. employers to gauge the success and associate participation in their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The survey criteria focus on key DEI issues such as talent strategies, workplace and supplier diversity efforts, and philanthropic commitments and donations. Honda participates in these types of surveys to help hold itself accountable to a larger standard shared by many companies across the U.S.

“Honda was founded with a strong respect for people and the idea that every person should be afforded the opportunity to fulfill their life’s potential,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Inclusion & Diversity for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The richness of different ideas, backgrounds and perspectives is what enables Honda to create value for our customers and the communities where we live and do business.”

For a deeper insight into how Honda and other companies are advancing diversity and inclusion values, we encourage you to explore the full Fair360 survey results.

Details of Honda’s I&D initiatives can be found in the annual Diversity Report. If you have questions about inclusion and diversity at Honda, please contact inclusion@na.honda.com.

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