Nissan Announces Founding Partnership With Urban Green Lab

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Nissan Americas announced a founding partnership with Urban Green Lab, Nashville's first community center dedicated to sustainable living, at the organization's future home in East Nashville. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean participated in the announcement, which kicks off what will be one of the first developments of its kind in the United States.

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Nissan's founding partnership, established through a preliminary $100,000 donation, included a challenge to the greater Middle Tennessee community to support this groundbreaking organization. Nissan has committed to matching other gifts up to an additional $100,000, plus cash contributions of another $175,000 over the next three years.

"When Nissan learned about Urban Green Lab's innovative approach to creating a more sustainable community here in Middle Tennessee, we knew it was a great fit for us," said Bill Krueger, vice chairman, Nissan Americas. "Today, we're encouraging others throughout the community to join in supporting Urban Green Lab's unique commitment to the environment, education and humanitarian aid."

Urban Green Lab is constructing a modern, green building, slated to open next year, which will serve as a meeting place for students and adults to learn about a range of diverse topics, from energy efficiency to urban agriculture. The center also will include electric-vehicle charging stations compatible with the Nissan LEAF, the world's first all-electric, zero-emission vehicle.

"This is an historic day in Nashville," said Dan Heller, co-founder and president of Urban Green Lab. "As Nissan joins us as our founding partner, we are sending a message that different parts of our community can come together to support an innovative project that will help our city, protect the environment and change lives for generations to come."

Located in the Inglewood neighborhood of East Nashville, Urban Green Lab will offer an interactive learning environment and create ongoing educational, mentoring and relationship-building opportunities. By attracting resources to a traditionally underserved community, Urban Green Lab aims to serve as an engine for engaging citizens and fostering a culture of sustainability. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.urbangreenlab.org.

About Nissan Americas

In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

SOURCE Nissan Americas