GM is First EPA Climate Leader to Reach Voluntary Emissions Goal

GM is First EPA Climate Leader to Reach Voluntary Emissions Goal

General Motors' North American facilities reduced their overall carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 11 percent in the past three years, becoming the first partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program to reach its voluntary goal, two years earlier than planned.

GM’s North American facilities reduced their CO2 emissions by 1.3 million metric tons from 2000 to 2003. To put that into perspective, that decrease is on par with the annual emissions from the power consumed by 169,000 U.S. households.

"GM has demonstrated that voluntary programs work, and they make good business sense, said Elizabeth Lowery, vice president, Environment and Energy, GM. ”Our partnership with the EPA’s ‘Climate Leaders’ program is an excellent example of how government and industry together can encourage innovation and strong, forward-thinking action.”

Prior to joining Climate Leaders, GM partnered with the EPA to predetermine a stretch reduction goal aimed at decreasing stationary North American CO2 emissions by 10 percent between 2000 and 2005. Three years into the program, the automaker exceeded its target.

"GM's success in achieving its 2005 Climate Leaders' GHG target two years early demonstrates the valuable role that EPA voluntary programs play in helping companies achieve their energy and environmental goals," said Kathleen Hogan, director, Climate Protection Partnership Division, EPA. "EPA applauds GM for its leadership and looks forward to working together to establish a new EPA Climate Leaders target."

The CO2 reduction can be largely attributed to numerous efforts in GM to increase energy efficiency. For example, several GM facilities now use natural gas and/or direct landfill gas (i.e., methane) rather than coal to operate boilers, which results in fewer CO2 emissions. The company also saves energy by shutting down paint shop operations--the most energy and environmentally intensive part of the production process--on the weekend and over holidays.

GM also has publicly committed to reducing its global levels of stationary CO2 emissions by 8 percent in five years from 2000 levels.

Published 05/12/2005