How Chattanooga Promotes Sustainable Assembly

Cradle-to-grave, Volkswagen Group of America is well on its way to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030. Chattanooga is one of 53 Volkswagen Group factories that utilize 100% renewable electricity and continues to become even more efficient. Since 2012, VW Chattanooga has reduced:

• Plant CO2 emissions per vehicle by over two-thirds (67.3%)
• Landfill diversion output per car by over one-half (50.8%)
• VOC^⁠1 per car by over one-third (35%)

VW Chattanooga is home to one of the largest solar fields in Tennessee, generating 13 GwH of electricity every year (that’s enough to power 1,200 households!). During peak production hours, the solar field supplies up to 12.5% of the plant’s needs and 100% of electricity during non-production times. Additional grid electricity is provided through a green tariff through the local utility that invests in Midwest wind farms to offset electricity needs. These solar panels also “employ” more than 50 sheep: these wooly friends rely on the solar panels to provide them with shade all summer long, while the sheep in turn keep the grass trimmed and well-fertilized. 

When Chattanooga came online in late spring 2011, it set a global standard for automotive manufacturing facilities by becoming the world’s first LEED-Platinum automotive assembly factory.

In 2019, Volkswagen and The Conservation Fund launched an initiative as part of a $1.25 million donation from Volkswagen of America to help protect land adjacent to the Cherokee National Forest, located near Volkswagen’s facility in Chattanooga. Through a donation from Volkswagen, The Conservation Fund acquired approximately 1,500 acres that were transferred to the U.S. Forest Service for permanent protection.

In 2009, Volkswagen Chattanooga pledged to restore nearby wetlands to help protect local wildlife and preserve the natural environment. By 2020, Volkswagen restored more than 40 acres of bio-diverse wetland through regular testing, monitoring and studies, converting the area into habitats for nearly 200 bird species and various plant and animal species.

In spring 2022, Volkswagen made a $100,000 donation to the Lookout Mountain Conservancy, supporting the organization’s mission of land conservation through environmental education and sustainable recreation. Located just outside Volkswagen’s manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the organization uses this inspiring outdoor classroom to foster love of the land and learning through youth education programs, internships, and support to conserve lands deemed critical for clean air and water. Lookout Mountain Conservancy also supports the local community to establish parks, trails and natural areas for current and future generations to enjoy.

Volkswagen aims to begin phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles from its portfolio by 2030, while advancing its EV portfolio. As of July 2022, Chattanooga has begun local assembly of the ID.4.

Volkswagen’s subsidiary Electrify America in North America is growing the network of high-powered charging with more than 800 charging stations and 3,500 DC fast chargers. The company’s “Boost Plan” is set to more than double this number to 1,800 stations and 10,000 chargers by 2026, and new flagship charging facilities to open in California and New York.

Volkswagen, together with Redwood Materials, are collaborating to recycle Volkswagen and Audi electric vehicle batteries in the United States, with the goal of providing more sustainable electric mobility for American drivers. Development of a circular economy will also help reduce the need for mining in the long run and aid in lowering the environmental impact and costs.