The firm introduced new on-site systems at its Sant’Agata Bolongnese factory to produce electricity, heating and cooling using natural gas, with an installed capacity of 1.2MW saving around 820 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The carmaker also plans to implement a biogas system at the plant by 2017 to reduce emissions by a further 5,600 tonnes per year. The company also makes use of a hot water system using local biogas resources.

Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said the company subscribed to a “strong undertaking of environmental responsibility”.

“The new plant and the certification we have earned today are part of our sustainable growth programme,” added Winkelmann. “Our goal is to keep the plant CO2-neutral, even after the expansion that will take place in the upcoming years with the introduction of the third Lamborghini model.”

New culture

Lamborghini was awarded the carbon-neutral certification by DNV GL – a global consultant in risk managements and renewable energy.

Luca Crisciotti, chief executive of DNV GL, said: “Lamborghini’s is an ambitious goal, pursued through a complex monitoring and emissions reduction system, and implemented via important structural actions. We hope that the commitment and sustainability of such a prestigious company and brand serve as a trailblazer in the automotive industry.”

The new energy systems were inaugurated by Italian environment minister Gian Luca Galletti. “Here, profitability and sustainability are going hand in hand,” said Galletti.

The minister added: “We need to think of the environment as a big opportunity for the development of businesses. I believe companies that do understand this new industrial culture will be the winners of the 21st century.”

Lamborghini has a range of sustainability initiatives, and has reached its goal of reducing the CO2 emissions of its vehicles by a quarter by 2015. The car manufacturer also installed a major solar PV plant in 2010, reducing emissions by 1,000 tonnes per year. The company received ISO 14001 certification for environment management in 2009.

Lamborghini also recently announced the possibility of its first hybrid supercar. The Asterion LPI 910-4 is still in development, but the stunning prototype was unveiled last year. Earlier this year it was reported European cars sold in 2014 had hit carbon emissions targets for vehicles two years early. Average emissions were 12% lower than when monitoring began in 2010.

Matt Field

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