When it comes to automakers that are perceived to be “green,” Lamborghini probably isn’t the first company to come to mind. After all, it’s product line consists exclusively of supercars like the Gallardo and Aventador, powered by V-10 and V-12 engines.

If you want fuel economy, you’ll certainly be shopping elsewhere. If you’re looking for exceptional performance tempered by overall environmental responsibility, however, Lamborghini is at the forefront of Italian automakers.

In fact, it’s the first automaker to sign a collaboration agreement with the Italian Ministry of the Environment and of Land and Sea Protection. In it, Lamborghini agrees to work with the agency to develop methods of analyzing, quantifying and recording the company’s carbon footprint.

Obviously, this extends beyond the vehicles built to include the various processes used in vehicle production. Ultimately, the goal will be to reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions produced during the manufacturing process.

A second stage of the program will seek to employ an emission reduction management system, targeted to the design, development and production of luxury cars. Work initiated by Lamborghini in this area could ultimately benefit luxury automakers on a global scale.

Of the accord, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said, “This agreement confirms Lamborghini’s commitment not only to environmental sustainability, but also to advanced technology and innovation. The goal we reached today rewards the coherence of a process that began five years ago, whose purpose is to reduce the CO2 emissions of both our products and production sites.”

Ideally, Lamborghini wants to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of its vehicles by 35-percent, while making its production facility carbon-neutral by 2015. Its latest building, where prototype vehicles are created, became the first multi-story industrial building in Italy to achieve class A energy certification.

Though Lamborghini is marking its 50th anniversary in 2013, it’s clear that the supercar builder is also focused on its long-term future. For enthusiasts the world over, we say that’s a good thing indeed.