In the past decade, BMW parts and automobiles have been set apart as one of the most eco-friendly brands in the world. Most people don’t associate luxury brands with sustainability, but BMW has done an amazing job of balancing “sheer driving pleasure” with clean energy and environmentally-conscious business practices. The company entered the race towards a carbon-neutral footprint about 20 years ago. From 1995 to 2010 they reduced CO2 emission by more than 25%, and they’re expecting to reduce emissions by an additional 25% by 2020. Additionally, the very way BMW manufactures its long-lasting mechanical parts and cutting-edge tech-components has seen sustainability-driven renovations. Here are three specific ways BMW is actively pursuing that goal:

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1. Inventing the BMWi3 and Other Green Cars

By mid-2010, there were more than 30 automobiles in their lineup that emitted no more than 140 grams of CO2 per kilometer traveled. However, the MVP award definitely goes to the BMW i3, which is widely regarded as one of the most eco-friendly vehicles built to-date. Many people even call it the “most advanced vehicle on the planet” and it is indeed such a pronounced leap forward in technology that some have compared its impact to the Ford Model T. A number of auto engineers have stated that the i3 is equipped with some of the best-designed parts available in BMW parts catalogs for the consumer markets.  That’s really saying something, considering BMW parts carry a prestigious reputation for quality and performance around the automotive industry. Amazingly, 95% of the materials used to make the BMW i3 are recyclable.

2. The BMWi Manufacturing Plant is Powered by 100% Renewable Energy

The BMWi plant in Leipzig, Germany is powered by 100% renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the plant is able to use 70% less water and 50% less energy than an already industry-leading standard set by BMW themselves for other manufacturing facilities. The fact that BMW Group has made an effort to not only make its vehicles green but also ensure eco-friendly processes for manufacturing their BMWi parts, exemplifies the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

3. The BMW EfficientDynamics Program

Finally, BMW runs a program called EfficientDynamics that pushes towards a long-term goal of creating emission-free vehicles within emission-free factories. In 2011, the initiative began widespread testing of fully-electric engine parts and has since been producing concept vehicles that could go into mass production within the next 2-5 years. Aside from the beloved BMW i3, the program has also led the production of the ActiveHybrid X6, which offers the power of a twin turbo engine paired with an intelligent energy management system that utilizes a 40 kW electric motor.

Leading the Dow Jones Sustainability Index as the Greenest Auto Manufacturer

Another interesting point to note is that BMW ranked #1 on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index as the most sustainable automobile and auto parts manufacturer in the world, for a total of 9 times from 2005 to 2014. This showcases that they’re truly making a valiant effort to lead the industry in clean energy, renewable resources and reducing overall carbon footprint. With all of this in mind, it’s obvious why BMW is one of the most popular automobile brands chosen by eco-friendly consumers.