Toyota's Impeccably Manicured Lawns: An Unexpected Tale of Perseverance
In the world of environmental innovation, Toyota continues to make strides in various areas, from vehicle technology to agriculture. One of their latest endeavours is the development of a new variety of Zoysia tenuifolia, known as TM9.
TM9 is a shorter, easier-to-manage grass variety, standing at just 5 cm tall compared to the standard Zoysia's 10 cm. But what sets TM9 apart is its environmental benefits. This grass requires less frequent mowing, typically once or twice a year, compared to the three to five times a year needed for standard Zoysia lawns. This reduction in mowing frequency retains more nutrients in the turf, requiring less fertilizer and leading to a decrease in CO2 emissions related to the manufacturing process.
Moreover, TM9 lawns emit less N2O, a potent greenhouse gas, compared to conventional Zoysia grass. This is a significant contribution to reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Lawns, including those on golf courses, capture roughly the same amount of CO2 as forests. This means that TM9 lawns, with their reduced need for mowing and fertilizer, contribute to carbon sequestration in the soil.
Toyota's interest in grasses doesn't stop at TM9. The company has been conducting fundamental biotech-related research since the late 1980s, including research on using plants to clean the air. This research has led to the use of TM9 in the creation of the rooftop greenery for the Toyota Group Pavilion at Expo 2005 Aichi.
Makoto Naruse, Senior Expert at Toyota's Agriculture & Biotechnology Business Dept., was surprised to find an agriculture unit at Toyota. His years of working at Toyota's manufacturing plants have equipped him with the tools to address the challenges in agriculture. Naruse aims to improve agricultural tasks to make life easier for farmers and standardize fertilizer use through TPS (Toyota Production System).
Another interesting development is the potential of certain plants, like gardenias, to absorb NO2 gas. By breeding varieties with larger stoma, the absorption of NO2 gas can be promoted.
While Toyota's focus on air pollution reduction primarily lies in advanced vehicle cabin air filters, no explicit plant-based air purifiers made by Toyota have been identified. However, Toyota's commitment to environmental innovation is evident in their hydrogen-powered technologies and initiatives like greening spaces by laying turf instead of asphalt, which drastically reduce ground temperatures. These efforts contribute to decarbonizing urban areas, expanding possibilities for sustainable living.
Grass growing to mere centimeters absorbs carbon dioxide on a similar scale to large trees. This, combined with the reduced emissions from TM9 lawns, makes these innovations a significant step towards a greener future.
In conclusion, Toyota's TM9 lawn is a testament to the company's commitment to environmental sustainability. Its benefits, from reduced emissions to carbon sequestration, make it a promising solution for urban landscapes. While Toyota's plant-based air purifiers remain a topic for further investigation, their contributions to in-vehicle air quality and hydrogen-powered technologies are clear. As Toyota continues to innovate, we can look forward to more environmentally friendly solutions in the future.
References:
- Toyota Global Website. (n.d.). Air Quality in the Car. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/environment/climate/air/
- Toyota Global Website. (n.d.). Hydrogen Energy. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/environment/climate/hydrogen/
- Toyota Global Website. (n.d.). Hydrogen Sauna Project. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/3381423.html
- Toyota Global Website. (n.d.). PUREFLOW HEPA Cabin Air Filter. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/products/vehicles/toyota-hybrid/pureflow-hepa-cabin-air-filter/
Science and technology intertwine in Toyota's ventures, extending beyond vehicle innovation to the realm of environmental science. The company's latest endeavor, TM9 Zoysia tenuifolia, is a low-maintenance grass variety that not only demands less mowing, but also contributes to environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, Toyota's exploration of plant biotechnology includes research on air purification, specifically in the context of using certain plants to absorb air pollutants like NO2.
