Earth Day, Every Day: Dagenham Windturbines

• Ford continues to reduce environmental footprint by improving the efficiency of its global manufacturing operations.
• Since 2000, Ford has reduced its global operational energy usage by 30 percent overall, CO2 emissions by 39 percent, and water usage by more than 43 percent.
• Ford improved energy efficiency in the U.S. by 4.5 percent, resulting in a savings of approximately $18 million.  
• Renewable or “green” power supplies about 3 percent of Ford’s global energy needs. This includes the use of hydro-power, solar and wind power, geothermal power, landfill gas and waste gases.
• Ford wins the EPA’s Energy Star Partner of the Year Award for second consecutive year and its Sustained Excellence Award this year.

DEARBORN, Mich., April 21 – Earth Day (April 22) is a time to reflect on what society is doing to address climate change and energy security, and a reminder that preserving the earth is the responsibility of all who use it.  As part of Ford Motor Company’s commitment to do its part, the company is dramatically improving the efficiency of its manufacturing operations worldwide and increasing the use of renewable or “green” energy sources.

Since 2000, Ford has reduced its global operational energy use by 30 percent (3 percent improvement from a year ago), CO2 emissions from our facilities by 39 percent (11 percent improvement from a year ago) and water use by 43 percent (21 percent improvement from a year ago).  Ford improved energy efficiency in the U.S. by 4.5 percent, resulting in a savings of about $18 million.

Globally, renewable or "green" power supplies about 3 percent of Ford’s energy needs.  Ford uses hydro-power, solar and wind power, landfill gas and waste gases, and other sources to supply some of its global energy needs.   

“We continue to make great strides in reducing the environmental footprint of our manufacturing operations worldwide by improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable resources worldwide,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.  

These improvements can be attributed to a number of sustainability initiatives the company has implemented.  Besides using more green or renewable energy, Ford is improving efficiency through the replacement or upgrade of heating, ventilating and cooling systems; improvements in lighting and vehicle painting systems; and water reduction and recycling projects.

“We integrate sustainability goals into our manufacturing operations to drive progress," Cischke said. “This effort is demonstrated by the improvements we've made on energy usage and water reduction.”

Reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions from our manufacturing operations is part of Ford’s broader approach to minimize the environmental impact of its vehicles during their life cycle. However, while climate change is one of the major challenges facing society, there is no single solution for addressing it.  On the vehicle side, Ford has developed a near-, mid- and long-term strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency.