General Motors is one of the companies with great sustainability efforts currently being performed to reduce the environmental impacts of its vehicles and facilities. The company actively focuses on energy efficiency, resource preservation, waste reduction, and in building more fuel efficient vehicles.
The company’s efforts are aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels (petroleum) and reducing the emissions. GM is one of the leaders in the manufacturing sector that uses renewable energy. It currently house solar power to a tune of 30 megawatts and plans to double it by 2015. As the company makes great strides in building affordable electric vehicles, it has come up with ways of harnessing solar energy to significantly reduce the dependence on fossil fuel. The world’s largest rooftop solar array is at the top of the company’s car factory plant in Zaragoza, Spain. The company’s Green Zones project is aimed at installing solar canopies at the dealerships to allow the clients charge their vehicles.
General Motors is committed to building greener (fuel-efficient) vehicles that fit the needs and lifestyles of the customers. The company manufactures some of the most fuel efficient vehicles like Chevrolet Volt, hybrid Silverado pickup, and the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist technology. GM is also committed to alternative fuels like biofuels. Currently, GM is the global leader in manufacture of FlexFuel vehicles which operate on both E85 ethanol and gasoline. The company is also exploring the possibilities of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This innovation is in its advanced stages.
With all these actions, General Motors is considered as one of the companies with the greatest sustainability efforts.
Reference
General Motors (2012). General Motors is Fueled by the Sun. Retrieved July 4, 2012 from http://www.gm.com/vision/environment1/general_motors_isfueledbythesun.html
General Motors (2012). General Motors Sustainability Report. Retrieved July 4, 2012 from http://gmsustainability.com/
