Volkswagen Chattanooga plant is not just Green, it's Blue. X Post from GD

[Savannahmann]

Original Thread there. http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023955379

Some time ago, there were a couple threads about Volkswagen's American Plant about to have a Union Vote. I was curious about this plant and did some reading/watching. I watched a docu fluff piece on the green earth policies, which Volkswagen calls Blue, at the plant.

I was astonished to see all that they do to try and conserve and protect. From a huge field of solar panels. To captured rainwater which is used in the industrial process and to provide water for toilets. Millions of gallons of saved water, which is the exact opposite of fracking, but I don't want to get too far into that.

The EPA has awarded the plant with a Green Power Award, and they made the top twenty corporations list for green energy production.

http://www.volkswagengroupamerica.com/newsrelease.php?sitebase=media.vw.com&feedid=1490

Short promo video highlighting what was in the docu fluff piece.

My question is obviously this. If a foreign car company can do this, why can't our own companies? Why can't our Government?

I have long been aware of and envious of the Volkswagen Blu Motion series of cars. They use engines which are not legal here in the states, three cylinder diesel engines that give fifty MPG or more. The acceleration is as anemic as a fashion model, but they don't use much fuel at all to get where they are going.

The Volkswagen fact sheet for Chattanooga plant is an impressive environmental layout.

http://www.volkswagengroupamerica.com/facts.php

First and only LEED Platinum certified Auto Plant worldwide. LEED Platinum certified Volkswagen Academy.


Additional Environmental Facts:
•Solar Park with 33,000 solar panels on 66 acres with a capacity of 9.5 Million Watts
•Advanced Painting process reduces C02 emissions by 20 percent
•“Eco Dry Scrubber System” water efficient process in the paint shop avoids water consumption of 20,000 gallons a day
•Reuse of rainwater for cooling and restrooms can save up to 350,000 gallons of water per month
•Power efficient light bulbs – T5 lighting systems saves 20 percent energy compared to conventional industrial lighting
•LED street lighting saves about 100,000 kilowatt hours per year and reduces ‘light pollution’ in the night sky
•Protected wetlands and habitats for native vegetation are defined on-site
•Two creeks were restored during construction to enhance wildlife habitat and provide a wildlife ‘corridor’ around plant
•Specially designed white roof reduces ‘heat island’ effect by reflecting heat from the sun

I thought some of you might be interested in the applied technologies today, and as for me, I'm kind of wishing I'd bought a Volkswagen, but there is always next time.

[Nihil]

1. Thanks for the update! (n/t)