Volvo is serious about environmental responsibility. According to Volvo, their Clean Inside and Out program focuses on "health, resource utilization and the ecological consequences of car production and later disposal." Volvo is committed to protecting passengers and the environment.
While most companies struggle to determine their “carbon footprint,” Volvo takes their environmental responsibilities far beyond simply lowering emissions.
Right now, the Europoean Common Market wants to urge member nations to mandate all new vehicles be at least 85 percent recyclable or reusable. They are considering a target date of 2015. In 2002, Volvo cars already hit this mark.
Volvo’s commitment to using alternative energy sources to replace petroleum has been ongoing for a quarter of a century. In 1988, Volvo switched to natural gas to heat its European factories, and on January 1, 2008, Volvo's plants in Sweden and Europe 
committed to using green power – electricity generated by hydropower – to heat its plants.
When studies began showing the potential health risks from certain materials used in the manufacture of cars, Volvo started finding ways to avoid using those materials. Tanning of leather for Volvo seats has stopped the practice of using chromium in the process. Oeko-Tex is a new international standard which makes sure that materials are hypoallergenic and don't contain hazardous substances. Volvo interiors comply with those standards.
Volvo wants its customers to know about its environmental commitment and to consider it an important factor in driving a Volvo. Volvo Environmental Product Information is available for all models grouped by engine and transmission. For more information, visit the Volvo Lifecycle diagram section at www.volvocars.com/epi.
Volvo knows the environmental impact of driving does not end with the catalytic converter that cleans the engine exhaust. Volvo believes its commitment to using environmentally responsible and sustainable manufacturing methods carries meaning and value for Volvo owners. We all know that protecting passengers is a Volvo commitment, but isn’t it great to know Volvo is committed to protecting the environment, too?
