The Toyota Prius, a hybrid passenger vehicle, just surpassed its 1 million mark with expectations of selling 1 million more hybrids by 2010. The Prius is estimated to have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 4.5 millions tons.

The Toyota dealership of Rockland, Texas just earned the country’s first LEED-Gold certification. The roof reflects 90 percent of the heat energy and its four water cisterns hold up to 63,500 gallons of rainwater and air conditioning condensation that helps irrigate the landscape, which is comprised of drought resistant native plant life. 

Toyota expects to have six LEED certified dealerships operating by this summer. They are also working with other auto companies to begin building LEED certification facilities. 

LEED certification is an independent, third-party verification that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy live-work place by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. 

Read the full story at greenbiz.com 

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