Ford Becomes First Automaker to Join Voluntary GHG Reporting Programme in India

Ford: Going Green with Every Launch

The Ford Motor Company took yet another major step towards helping stabilize global carbon dioxide emissions by becoming the first automaker to join a voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting programme recently established in India. The company already participates in similar programs in the United States, China, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Becoming the first automaker participant in the India programme on voluntary GHG emission reporting is a step further in establishing  Ford’s leadership corporate sustainability in the country.

Ford has set a goal for itself to reduce CO₂ emissions from its global facilities, including two in Chennai, by 30 percent per vehicle by 2025. The voluntary reporting of GHG will provide an overall transparency regarding the company’s CO₂ emissions and also underscores the importance of the issue to Ford. “Ford is pleased to be the first automaker to participate in the voluntary India greenhouse gas reporting program,” said Andy Hobbs, director of the company’s environmental quality office. “We look forward to sharing our knowledge and helping to establish greenhouse gas reporting in India.”, he further added.

India’s voluntary GHG reporting program is a joint effort between the World Resources Institute, The Energy and Resources Institute and the Confederation of Indian Industry. As the first automaker to participate in the program, Ford’s role will be to assist in the establishment of credible and verifiable greenhouse gas inventories. “Ford India is committed to bringing fuel-efficient and safe vehicles to India that our customers want and value. And we are growing our manufacturing capabilities in India in an environmentally responsible way as part of our One Ford plan,” said Joginder Singh, president and managing director, Ford India.

Ford operates a manufacturing plant that produces the Ford Figo, Ford Fiesta, Ford Classic, Ford Endeavour and Ford EcoSport, and an engine plant that produces 17 variants of gasoline and diesel engines. A vehicle assembly and engine plant complex are under construction in Sanand, Gujarat. The facilities are equipped to reuse 100 percent of wastewater generated, have reduced water use 30 percent per vehicle produced in the last three years, and reduced energy consumption 10 percent per vehicle. Ford India’s sustainable strategies are indeed a green step in the right direction.

“Indian Industry has set a powerful precedent in the region, by collaboratively engaging on a multi-stakeholder platform to take the next leap on GHG measurement and management. The program would strive to promote climate stewardship and innovation that would merge core business benefits along with environmental and social agenda” says Vivek P. Adhia, Senior Associate – Climate & Energy, WRI India.

Taking CO₂ reductions further
Ford has developed products, technologies and processes at its facilities that are designed to reduce emissions and help the company meet its own targets, while also doing its part to help keep CO₂ levels in the earth’s atmosphere at or below 450 parts per million. Leading scientists, businesses and governmental agencies say this is a goal that must be met to avoid the most serious effects on climate change.

Already, total CO₂ emissions at Ford’s global facilities have dropped 47 percent, or by 4.65 million metric tons, since 2000. The company continues investing in processes and equipment aimed at further reductions. Reducing CO₂ emissions is a key component of Ford’s 14^th annual sustainability report titled “Blueprint for Sustainability: Our Journey Continues.”

Images via Ford Motor Company