GM Named Leader in Climate Change Transparency

One of the distinguishing characteristics of a world-class company is an awareness of their impact on the world. Certain companies show more interest in being a responsible citizen of the world than others, and so do a better job of earning the public’s trust and business. Among those precious few is General Motors, which was recently named a leader in climate change transparency.

What exactly does this mean?

Quite simply, GM has demonstrated an uncommon willingness to submit its climate change data to CDP, the world’s first and only global system for environmental disclosure. Their tagline: Driving sustainable economies. GM has proved that it is willing to take part in that endeavor.

In the simplest terms, GM is demonstrating accountability. The automobile giant has committed itself to practices that measure energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as maintaining openness with regards to their climate change strategies.

Every year CDP publishes its Global 500 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index, in which companies are given a score out of 100. The higher the score, the more willingness the company has demonstrated in adopting eco-friendly manufacturing and business practices, as well as an awareness of the company’s impact on the environment.

Part of the climate change strategy for which GM has been praised involves their long-term plan for reducing energy consumption and carbon intensity. GM has laid out a plan to reduce environmentally unfriendly practices by 20% over the next seven years. Of all of the automotive companies in the United States, GM currently ranks number one in solar power usage, and has earned the Energy Star Partner of the Year Award from the EPA.

Furthermore, GM was the very first manufacturing company to add their support to the Climate Declaration, which states the intentions of the participants to conduct their business operations with environmentally friendly practices in mind.

This is to say nothing of GM’s commitment to designing and building more fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as their sizable investment (up to $40 million) in the Chevrolet Carbon Reduction Initiative, which will make the automaker a greater participant in community-based projects for carbon-reduction.

Mike Robinson, GM’s vice president of Sustainability and Global Regulatory Affairs, had this to say about GM’s eco-friendly business practices:

“These carbon reduction efforts with our vehicles and manufacturing facilities are good for our customers, good for the planet, and good for our bottom line.”

In other words, conducting business in a way that is less damaging to the environment is a winning proposition for everyone involved. Here’s hoping more companies follow GM’s lead.