Volkswagen Group Awarded World Environment Center’s 30th Anniversary Gold Medal

May 24, 2014 2:28 pm

The Volkswagen Group has been awarded the World Environment Center’s (WEC) 30th Anniversary Gold Medal for its comprehensive commitment to environmental preservation and eco-mobility.

To take the award, VW competed with global companies in multiple business sectors, with the WEC’s independent Gold Medal Jury chaired by Dr. Joel Abrams, Professor Emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh, evaluating the automaker. The Jury determined that Volkswagen earned the award on the merits of its long-term dedication to integrating sustainability into its business products and operations.

“Volkswagen Group is deeply honored to be recognized by the World Environment Center for our endeavors to create a society where conservation and eco-mobility are truly standard practices, not the exception,” said Christian Klingler, member of the Board of Directors of Volkswagen Group of America. “Volkswagen will continue to seek forward-thinking solutions to address the environmental challenges of today and the future.”

It was determined that Volkswagen’s holistic approach to sustainability “instills eco-conscious behaviors in all aspects of its operations”, including “following a strong set of environmental principles when building cars—at every stage of a vehicle’s lifecycle — from design to eventual recycling; establishing sustainability contracts with suppliers; providing efficiency training throughout Volkswagen’s global workforce; and striving to achieve the most efficient manufacturing facilities in the world.” In addition, Volkswagen Group of America has six LEED-certified facilities located in the United States.

To note, the World Environment Center’s Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development was established in 1985 to recognize significant industry initiatives in global environmental excellence and sustainable development. Recent recipients of the WEC Gold Medal Award include: