Greening the WTCC

Yokohama's commitment to making the WTCC a environmentally friendlier goes further – this year, as was the case in 2008, the company will make use of "green electricity" at the Yokohama Tire Service Garage at the WTCC Race of Japan between October 30 and November 1.

Green electricity, generated by natural energies including wind power, hydropower and biomass, has been gaining attention as a less environmentally burdensome form of power. Green electricity use is recognised with a green certificate stating the use’s “ecological value”, including reduced use of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions. In this way, users contribute to improving the environment in accordance with the size of their electricity contract. Yokohama Rubber has contracted with Japan Natural Energy Company Limited and been issued a green certificate worth 1,000 kWh of energy using natural biomass resources.

Yokohama began using green electricity last year. To date, green electricity has been used in the 2008 WTCC Race of Japan, the 15th Tokachi 24 Hour Race, and the six rounds of the Super GT 2009 series this year. The company says it will continue its affirmative use of green electricity “wherever and whenever it finds the opportunity.”