GM makes strides in reducing energy; saves $1 billion annually through recycling

DETROIT- General Motors Co. continued to improve on reducing its environmental footprint in 2012, according to a report released today.

In its 2012 Sustainability Report, the Detroit-based automaker outlines a number of environmental achievements, including reducing energy use 7 percent and carbon emissions 5.3 percent since 2010.

Since taking over the reins of GM in 2010, CEO and Chairman Dan Akerson has made environmental sustainability a main priority for the company.

'Sustainability is not only a key part of how GM is shifting from a good to great company, it is about the leadership and innovation that can transform the auto industry,' he said in a statement outlining the report. 'Our long-term approach to sustainability enables us to increase efficiency and reimagine personal mobility to best meet customer needs and lifestyles.'

In the report, Akerson noted that GM saves about $1 billion in revenue annually by recycling and reusing 90 percent of its manufacturing waste worldwide, the company generates. GM has reduced total waste 25 kilograms, or 55 pounds, per vehicle since 2010.

GM has an industry-leading 105 landfill-free facilities that recycle, reuse or convert to energy all waste from daily operations.

Also outlined in the report is GM's continued focus on the electrification of vehicles. THe company, as previously announced, has a goal of putting 500,000 vehicles on the road in the U.S. with some form of electrification by 2017.

'Though still in the early stages of commercialization, the era of using electricity to help improve performance and fuel economy is here and growing,' Akerson said in the report.

GM's electrified vehicles today include the extended-range electric Chevrolet Volt, Spark EV and Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Chevrolet Malibu and Impala with eAssist. Production of the Cadillac ELR, which features Volt-based technology, is scheduled to begin in late 2013 as well.

GM developed the following commitments to meet customer needs for efficient vehicles and significantly reduce the environmental impact of its products:

* Put 500,000 vehicles on the road in the U.S. with some form of electrification by 2017.

* Double the models that achieve 40-mpg highway or better by 2017, such as the Chevrolet Volt, Sonic and Cruze Eco, and the all-new Cadillac ELR and Chevrolet Spark EV and Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel.

* Reduce average U.S. fleet CO2 emissions 15 percent by 2016 and Opel/Vauxhall fleet CO2 emissions 27 percent by 2020.

Overall, the 109-page report (49 in a PDF) covers energy, emissions, waste reduction and other areas that drive long-term sustainability. Click here to view the full report.

Check back to MLive for more details. Email Michael Wayland: MWayland@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeWayland