Energy

GM Shanghai Facilities Meet ENERGY STAR® Challenge for Second Time

May 30, 2014 11:45 AM ET
Campaign: GM Energy Efficiency

Last month, two of our facilities in Shanghai met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR®Challenge for Industry twice by reducing their environmental footprint – two of only four GM plants in the world to do so.

The challenge is aimed at helping energy managers and industrial sites set goals to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Sites must commit to reducing energy intensity by 10 percent within five years or less. Shanghai GM Dong Yue Automotive Powertrain Co. Ltd. In Yantai, Shandong, and Shanghai GM Jinqiao North Plant in Shanghai did just that, and more.

Not only did both teams meet their energy targets, but they exceeded them collectively by 68 percent, saving an approximate total of US$371,000.

Here’s how:

  • GM Dong Yue Automotive Powertrain: Optimized a dust removal control system, which reduced energy use and improved ventilation and occupational health for workers. 
  • GM Jinqiao North Plant: Improved wind intake of fans, which now require only 20 percent of the gross power and electricity needed previously.

Like most successful projects, this achievement was a result of strong teamwork and involvement from all functions.

Matt Tsien, GM executive vice president and president of GM China, said these plants represent GM’s desire to continue working toward an energy efficient future for the company.

“This proves that our plants in China play an integral role in meeting our global energy savings goals,” he said.

Energy challenges like these help GM meet its energy reduction commitments. With the release of GM’s 2013 corporate sustainability report, we announced we have reduced global energy intensity by 10 percent, halfway to our goal of a 20 percent reduction by 2020.