Chevrolet invests in clean energy projects

In order to reduce its environmental footprint Chevrolet has announced investments worth $40 million in several clean energy projects throughout America. The objective is reduce 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, with the initiative being based on projects that promote energy savings, renewable energy, responsible use of natural resources and conservation in communities across the United States.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 8 million metric tons equals the CO2 emissions of one year of electricity use in 970,874 homes or the annual carbon reduction from 1.7 million acres of pine forest.

Over the next three to five years Chevrolet will be providing energy efficient technology such as smart energy sensors and solar panels to schools and other community-based facilities, support wind farms and solar projects that deliver renewable energy to the grid and also help family farms increase their revenues per acre, capture flammable methane from community landfills that delivers clean energy to the grid and improves local air quality and safety, and contribute to forestry projects throughout America.

“GM has made great progress in reducing our environmental impact, but we know we can do more,” said General Motors CEO Dan Akerson.  “Chevrolet’s investment is an extension of the environmental initiatives we’ve been undertaking for years because the solution to global environmental challenges goes beyond just vehicles.

The new carbon-reduction goal set by Chevrolet, according to GM estimates will be equivalent to the emissions in 2011 from driving the 1.9 million vehicles Chevrolet is expected to sell in the United States over the next year.

“Chevy is clearly demonstrating that companies can act now and help propel clean energy solutions,” said Eileen Claussen, president of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change.

Over the last twenty years GM has decreased its manufacturing emissions by 60 percent and also invested hundreds of millions of dollars to build fuel-efficient vehicles like the Chevrolet Cruze Eco and the Chevy Volt electric car with extended-range capability.

“Chevy’s Volt and its clean energy investment both exemplify the bold leadership businesses can take today to address our changing climate,” Claussen said.” Its commitment to community-focused clean energy and energy efficiency investments will drive change and increase awareness across the country.”

Between 2005 and 2009 GM also launched an initiative to reduce by nearly 35 percent the use of water at manufacturing facilities worldwide. Other initiatives include the decreasing fossil fuel at GM plants by using landfill gas, hydro and solar power; recycling 90 percent of the waste the company generates; and operating 75 landfill-free facilities.