Sustainability is bigger than ever! And there is a huge buzz around topics like the ozone, recycling, green buildings, electric cars and almost every dimension of the automotive industry. Companies like Tesla may headline that section of the newspaper, but even traditional companies like Ford have made advances in the those “green” fields, so to say.
Recently, the 18th annual Ford Sustainability Report was released and it includes a short film, detailing its environmental progress across the world and commitment towards sustainability that deals with climate change, air quality and conservation, and identifying opportunities that have significant impacts across the business, from water stewardship to supplier training and education.
“We know climate change is real and a critical threat, and we will continue to work with leaders around the world in support of ambitious global greenhouse gas reduction targets,” said Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “At the same time, we have the opportunity to make real environmental progress as we move into a world of smart vehicles and smart environments, including car sharing, multi-modal transportation and dynamic shuttles.”
Lets check out some of the Sustainability Report highlights, shall we…
Water Stewardship
Ford made the decision to join the Business Alliance for Water and Climate “Improve Water Security” initiative enables the company to help analyse water-related risks, implement collaborative response strategies and reduce impacts on water availability and quality in both direct operations and along the value chain. Since 2000, Ford has cut water use by more than 61 percent, with a goal of zero usage of drinkable water in manufacturing. In addition, Ford suppliers who participate in the voluntary Partnership for a Cleaner Environment program are on track to save an estimated 550 million gallons of water over the next five years – enough to fill 837 competition-sized swimming pools, according to data collected in 2016.
Sustainable Materials
Ford continued to expand its sustainable materials research efforts through a collaboration with Jose Cuervo to explore the use of agave plants to develop a sustainable bioplastic material to incorporate in vehicles, giving the agave fiber byproduct a second chance at usefulness. Almost 300 vehicle parts are derived from renewable sources such as soybeans, cotton, wood, flax, jute and natural rubber.
Sustainable Manufacturing
Ford has an ongoing commitment to reducing waste in its manufacturing facilities, and has expanded its aluminum closed-loop recycling system to three factories. Now in use at Dearborn Stamping, Kentucky Truck and Buffalo Stamping facilities, Ford’s system recycles 20 million pounds of military-grade aluminum alloy a month, enough to build more than 37,000 F-Series truck bodies a month.
Supply Chain Sustainability
The Ford Sustainability Report also shows that in addition to reducing the company’s own environmental footprint, Ford is reducing the footprint of its supply chain with an enhanced Partnership for a Cleaner Environment program that has grown to more than 40 suppliers in 40 countries – up from just 25 suppliers in 2015. Partnership for a Cleaner Environment, not only focuses on water and energy conservation, but waste, carbon dioxide and air emissions reduction. Infact, Carbon emissions could be reduced by nearly 500,000 metric tons globally in the next five years.
Waste Reduction
Ford expanded its true zero-waste-to-landfill program to 82 Ford facilities around the world – 49 manufacturing facilities and 33 non-manufacturing facilities – where absolutely no waste goes to landfill. This includes the historical Ford Rouge Center, the largest complex in the company as well as the North American World Headquarters – diverting more than 240,000 pounds of waste from landfills.
Responsible Business
For the eighth year in a row, Ford was named to Ethisphere Institute’s “World’s Most Ethical Company” list – the only automaker to achieve this recognition.
So it seems that Ford has “come a long, long way and we’ve got a long way to go,” as Bill Ford says in the film. But what reeled me in more was with the statement, “Climate change and all the things that go with it are really human rights issues”. Those are some powerful words, Bill!
