Energy

GM’s Energy Stars: Chenguang Zhao, Jinqiao Assembly

Oct 3, 2013 10:30 AM ET
Campaign: GM Energy Efficiency

GM BeyondNow

All this week we will be recognizing GM employees from across the globe who helped the company achieve the U.S. ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry earlier this year. Without their diligence and commitment to the goal, we would not be able to tout the fact that 63 plants have reduced 1.6 million metric tons of CO2 collectively.

 

Name: Chenguang Zhao
Title: Engineer
Facility: ME Facility, Jinqiao Plant, Shanghai GM, 
Length of time with GM: 9 Years

 

1. What are some of the ways your facility cut energy intensity to meet the ENERGY STAR® Challenge for Industry?

We’ve established a remote intelligent energy measurement system that helps us find energy savings projects that maximize energy efficiency.

We also emphasize green planning for new projects and factories and use related resources and technology to develop the standard system of a green plant. With new technologies and materials for energy saving, we can build green plants from the source.

We arrange energy saving meetings every month to communicate energy consumption information and analyze our energy efficiency target achievements so that we can improve.

Every year, we organize a Green Pioneer Competition to rate the energy saving projects and plants.  We also have activities such as green lectures and energy saving knowledge contests.

2. What are some tips you’ve picked up from your colleagues in the United States/internationally that you have incorporated into your facility’s energy savings program?

We use much natural light in buildings and energy saving lamps.

3. How do you engage employees to cut energy use in their day-to-day work?

We organize energy saving contests among the projects and plants in three places and give out awards to those who are deserving of being recognized for their energy reduction work.

4. What are some of the benefits you have seen at the plant since reducing energy usage by 13 percent?

We lowered energy consumption per $1630 output value and energy costs (without regard to the price rising of energy). Our staff’s energy-saving awareness is also raised.

5. What are some energy savings tips that you take home with you at the end of your day?

We replace filament lamps with energy saving lamps, recycle the domestic water to flush toilets and mop floors and keep the temperature of the air conditioners above 26 degrees Celsius.