GM sustainability report outlines efforts and results
GM sustainability report outlines efforts and results
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The rules of vehicle use and ownership are changing rapidly, according to Detroit-based General Motors’ (GM) latest sustainability report. Connectivity, car-sharing, alternative propulsion and autonomous vehicles are key elements toward a future of safer, cleaner and more efficient mobility options for customers, GM says.
“We see tremendous potential in these technologies and the long-term benefits for our customers and communities around the world,” says GM chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “The GM team is looking to lead this transformation of personal mobility and will continue to deliver on our commitment to responsible manufacturing.”
“GM is quickly and appropriately adapting its business to our rapidly changing world, from addressing climate change through public policy advocacy to helping move electric vehicles into the mainstream,” says Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, a nonprofit advocating for sustainability leadership.
The interactive report outlines strategic technology investments that GM says it is using to strengthen its core business and reshape the future of personal mobility. Here are some highlights:
The road to autonomous
GM says it is enabling advanced safety technologies and car-sharing to pave the way for autonomous vehicles and vehicle-to-infrastructure technology. These efforts will help reduce congestion, crashes and pollution, GM says. The company says it is working with stakeholders to create the largest V-to-I enabled corridor in the U.S. on 120 miles of Metro Detroit freeways. GM says it will also bring SuperCruise, the industry’s first semi-autonomous driver-assist technology, to market next year on the Cadillac CT6.
Urban mobility
Earlier this year, the company says it launched its Maven car-sharing brand and invested $500 million in an alliance with rideshare provider Lyft. Chevrolet also is building the all-electric Bolt EV, which will offer more than an estimated 200 miles per charge, GM says.
Focus on fuel efficiency
GM says it is addressing climate change, in part, by continuing to provide customers with fuel-efficient models across each vehicle segment. Nine models get an 40mpg on the highway or better, as estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (https://www3.epa.gov/) (EPA). GM says its electrified vehicles on the road increased 9 percent to 196,861 vehicles.
Carbon reduction
Last year, Barra and 12 other automotive CEOs convened through the World Economic Forum committed to the vision of decarbonizing automotive transport. GM also signed the White House American Business Act on Climate Pledge, advocating the economic opportunity in addressing climate change.
The company says it also is aggressively pursuing ways to use more renewable energy. Two wind deals in Mexico and Texas will add 64 megawatts to its 106 megawatt global portfolio, enabling GM to achieve its renewable energy target four years early.
GM explains that it works with its dealers and supply chain to further reduce its carbon footprint. To date, 435 dealers joined the company’s Green Dealer program, and 77 percent of invited suppliers participate in an environmental efficiency program through the Climate Disclosure Project (CDP), GM says.
Manufacturing responsibly
The company says it is on track to meet all of its 2020 global manufacturing commitments. Since 2010, the baseline year, GM says it has accomplished the following:
- achieved 131 landfill-free facilities toward a goal of 150;
- reduced total waste by 22 percent toward a goal of 40 percent;
- reduced water intensity by 10 percent toward a goal of 15 percent;
- reduced energy and carbon intensity by 14 percent and 15 percent, respectively, toward a goal of 20 percent; and
- earned certified wildlife habitats at half of GM’s manufacturing operations.
“Our 215,000 workers worldwide, seeking to serve our communities and build relationships both inside and outside of GM, are helping us minimize our environmental footprint while increasing our positive societal impact,” says Jim DeLuca, GM executive vice president of global manufacturing.
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Source: Recycling Today
GM sustainability report outlines efforts and results
<![CDATA[The rules of vehicle use and ownership are changing rapidly, according to Detroit-based General Motors’ (GM) latest sustainability report. Connectivity, car-sharing, alternative propulsion and autonomous vehicles are key elements toward a future of safer, cleaner and more efficient mobility options for customers, GM says. “We see tremendous potential in these technologies and the long-term benefits for our customers and communities around the world,” says GM chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “The GM team is looking to lead this transformation of personal mobility and will continue to deliver on our commitment to responsible manufacturing.” “GM is quickly and appropriately adapting its business to our rapidly changing world, from addressing climate change through public policy advocacy to helping move electric vehicles into the mainstream,” says Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, a nonprofit advocating for sustainability leadership. The interactive report outlines strategic technology investments that GM says it is using to strengthen its core business and reshape the future of personal mobility. Here are some highlights: The road to autonomous GM says it is enabling advanced safety technologies and car-sharing to pave the way for autonomous vehicles and vehicle-to-infrastructure technology. These efforts will help reduce congestion, crashes and pollution, GM says. The company…