Since the opening of the plant in 2016, the factory has worked to implement sustainable production and protect the environment. An artificial lagoon built in the factory grounds in 2014 retains up to 220,000 cubic meters of water for reuse, for example, in toilets or cooling towers. This can save up to 100,000 cubic meters per year.
With the aim of conserving the endemic species of the region, a biotope with an area of 1,500 square meters was built in 2015. It creates the right conditions for the development of these species native to the area: Mammillaria, Mexican fencepost cactus (Lophocereus marginatus), agaves, yuccas, succulents, Dasylirion, and Ferocactus. In 2014, in the town of San José Ozumba, 10 km from the plant, a reforestation project was carried out on an area of 100 hectares, involving of the planting of 100,000 trees and the construction of 25,000 water collection pits measuring approximately 2 m by 40 cm. They retain as much water as possible so that it can reach the aquifer and serve the trees to ensure their growth. In addition, it helps to capture CO2 and to compensate 375,000 cubic meters of water per year, which corresponds to almost the total volume taken out of the environment by the plant.
Audi México has a biological wastewater treatment facility inside the plant, which treats both sewage and industrial water. There, up to 1,800 cubic meters of water from the plant's various streams is homogenized and then treated with bacteria. The biologically treated water then passes through an activated carbon and ultraviolet filtration process. The water meets all regulatory requirements.
In 2018, the reverse osmosis plant was inaugurated, which contributes significantly to decarbonization and water conservation. This water treatment system is able to save around 150,000 cubic meters of water per year by returning it to the plant’s production processes. Since then, production at the Mexican plant has been completely wastewater-free.
Since 2020, the Audi México plant covers 100 percent of its entire electricity needs for the production of the Audi Q5 from renewable energy sources. This is another step towards reaching CO2-free production by 2025 in the context of the MISSION:ZERO strategy.
- In accordance with AUDI AG’s Corporate Citizenship strategy, Audi México implemented its activities based on the main three pillars: “Educate”, “Engage”, and “Empower”. The main objective is to develop the region through numerous activities and programs such as:
- Mi Mercadito: regional farmers are able to sell their produce directly to Audi employees
- #ImpulsoDesarrolloRegional: promote the region as a “model city” and an attractive place to live for the employees
- Donation of medical equipment establishments in the region
- Audi México Comparte: employees donate everyday items such as blankets and food for those in need; through a voluntary donation program, employees can also donate money.
- Oral Health Program: collaborative initiative between Fundación Gilberto, Fundación UNAM, and Audi México; it aims to provide dental checkups for the people of the region
Furthermore, Audi México works to promote the region’s future with projects such as Audi Girls' Day. Through gamified activities at the plant's facilities, the event gives girls and young women from the area an opportunity to learn about the automotive industry as well as how to care for the environment. The Audi FCI Soccer Camp project aims to support the sports activities of Audi employees’ children as well as other children from the region. These programs strengthen the plant’s ties with the surrounding municipalities.