GM almost half way to goal of 25 percent energy reduction by 2019
A worker installs a light-emitting diode, or LED light at the General Motors assembly plant in Rayong, Thailand. GM has replaced older light bulbs with LEDs in order to save energy. (Courtesy photo)
General Motors Co. committed to reducing its energy and water use at 31 plants nationwide as part of a federal program that already includes competitor Ford Motor Co.
The Detroit-based automaker is one of 26 new partners to join the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Challenge, the Obama administration announced Friday.
President Barack Obama launched the program in 2011 with the goal of making commercial and industrial buildings at least 20 percent more energy efficient in the next 10 years. More than 190 companies, universities, school districts, multifamily housing organizations and state and local governments are now part of the program.
GM committed to reducing its energy intensity by 25 percent from 2008 to 2019 at 31 plants, along with a 20 percent reduction in water use by 2020. Energy intensity measures source energy use divided by the number of vehicles, engines or powertrain components produced. GM already has cut back its energy intensity by about 12 percent since 2008.
The company also has been recognized for having 63 facilities meeting an Energy Star challenge to reduce energy intensity by 10 percent within five years, more facilities than any other company worldwide.
"We see great value in ... benchmarking information so we know who the best is out there in terms of energy efficiency and of course greenhouse gas reduction and we can better target efficiency gains from those learnings," said GM spokeswoman Sharon Basel.
She said GM saves energy much like a homeowner would — making sure lights and equipment are turned off when not in use, and installing new LED lighting. It also uses solar power and landfill gas energy at some facilities.
Dearborn-based Ford previously committed to reducing its energy intensity at 24 plants by 25 percent from 2011 to 2022. It also sought a 30-percent cut in water use by 2015.
Ford and GM are among 20 companies, organizations or municipalities that are part of a new water savings pilot program that allow them to share water performance data, track progress and cut energy wasted from the inefficient use of water, according to the DOE.
"Whether it's investing in new technology or implementing rewards programs with employees, Better Buildings partners are not only creating cutting edge approaches to energy efficiency but they are also sharing their successes with the marketplace," U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a statement.
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