Nissan Mexico Cuts Water Use, Ranks Among Global Leaders

Nissan Mexicana is advancing a water management strategy focused on industrial efficiency, rainwater capture and community access projects, positioning water stewardship as a central element of its sustainability agenda. Announced during World Water Day activities, the company reported progress across manufacturing operations and social programs aimed at reducing consumption and strengthening water security both within and beyond its facilities.

The company said its manufacturing operations rank among the five lowest water consumers per vehicle produced within Nissan’s global network. Executives attributed this performance to long-term operational changes designed to reduce potable water use and increase the reuse of treated wastewater. These measures form part of the Nissan Green Program, which integrates environmental management with corporate responsibility targets.

Infrastructure investments play a central role in the company’s industrial water strategy. At the Aguascalientes A1 plant, Nissan operates a rainwater collection pond with a capacity of 3,000 cubic meters, alongside two additional ponds totaling approximately 20,000 cubic meters designed to support flood prevention. A separate recreational pond at the same facility stores about 25,000 cubic meters of water.

At the Aguascalientes A2 plant, three rainwater capture ponds provide a combined storage capacity of 55,000 cubic meters. The facility also operates a “zero discharge” program, under which 100% of treated wastewater is reused for irrigation and plant services. According to the company, these systems enable production activities to reduce dependence on external water supplies while maintaining operational continuity.

Nissan Mexicana said internal efficiency initiatives are complemented by environmental education programs conducted through its dealership network. Workshops focused on water conservation and marine ecosystem protection are delivered in schools linked to Nissan distributors, aiming to introduce sustainability practices at early education stages and expand environmental awareness beyond corporate operations.

Community engagement also includes volunteer activities designed to address local environmental challenges. In Manzanillo, employees and distributor partners conducted a cleanup campaign at San Pedrito Beach, collecting more than 115 kilograms of waste. The company said the initiative prevented debris from reaching marine ecosystems while improving public space conditions for local residents.

A key component of Nissan Mexicana’s external water strategy is its collaboration with the nonprofit organization TECHO México, which began four years ago. Through this partnership, more than 20 rainwater harvesting systems have been installed in underserved communities in the metropolitan region. 

The rainwater harvesting systems allow participating households to reduce annual water consumption by up to 40%, store approximately 1,100 additional liters, and capture up to 90 liters of water daily during the rainy season. In 2026 alone, the initiative directly benefited more than 50 people and indirectly supported over 130 individuals, according to company data.

Gabriela García, senior manager of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, Nissan Mexicana, said the company views water access as a shared responsibility between industry and society. “At Nissan, we recognize that access to water is a fundamental right. We collaborate with organizations such as TECHO to deliver solutions that generate immediate and sustainable impact in communities,” she said.

García added that water governance is integrated across corporate operations. “This commitment is also reflected in our plants, where we maintain a robust water management strategy and promote environmental awareness among our employees. These actions allow us to advance toward a cleaner and safer environment,” she said.