General Motors Sustainability Strategy

General Motors is among the leading automobile brands in the world. Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, it is a company with a global scale and capabilities. GM has its operations in 31 countries and the company sells its products across six continents. The company employs more than 151,000 people across the globe.

Over the past several years, GM has achieved several critical milestones in terms of being a more sustainable company. In 2023, it further strengthened its commitment to environment-friendly technologies and sustainable operations.

CEO Statement

According to GM CEO Mary Barra, while the company made significant progress in the direction of a more sustainable future in 2023, 2024 will see more action in this direction. The company is committing more resources to building electric vehicles and autonomous technology. In 2024, it plans to release more EV models across various price points.

CSR Initiatives (2023 Highlights)

• Joined the zerogrid initiative and First Movers Coalition.
• Spent $5.6 billion with Diverse Tier 1 suppliers in the United States.
• Announced expansion of Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) charging technology.
• Provided $64 million in grants to US-based non-profits.
• GM’s expanded international giving program is geared towards positively impacting around 140,000 people.
• North GM has announced its plan to integrate American Charging Standard (NACS) into future GM EVs, while also enabling access to over 15,000 Superchargers in 2024.

Awards and Recognition

• Received Energy Star sustained excellence award for 12 years.
• Listed in the fair 360 top 50 for eight years.
• Ranked number 17 in the EPA Green Power Partnership list.
• GM achieved the first spot in the 2024 JUST 100 rankings for the Automobiles & Parts industry sector.
• The company received an A on the CDP Climate change and water security questionnaires.
• GM received the top score for equality 100 in the human rights campaign foundation’s corporate equality index.
• GM was also named on the Fast Company’s 2023 Brands that matter List which recognizes organizations leading on social action, sustainability and inclusivity.
• The company was also recognized among 12 other brands working for a better future.
• GM was named as the only Original Equipment Manufacturer automaker on Ethisphere’s World’s most ethical companies list for a straight fifth year.

Sustainability Goals

General Motors is actively pursuing its sustainability goals:

• Reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 72% by 2035. Has achieved 51% of this goal by 2023.
• Sourcing 100% renewable electricity globally by 2035. It has achieved 39% of its goal by 2023.
• Eliminating tailpipe emissions from new U.S. light-duty vehicles by 2035. It has achieved 3% of this goal by 2023.
• GM continues to invest in more energy efficiency systems and renewable energy strategies to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions.
• It has still not made any progress in terms of Reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions from the use of sold products by 51% per vehicle kilometer by 2035 against a 2018 baseline.
• The company has achieved 35% of its goal of reducing water intensity by 35% by 2035 against a 2010 baseline.
• It has fully achieved its goal (100%) of Diverting more than 90% of its operational waste from landfills, incinerators and energy recovery facilities by 2025 against a 2018 baseline.

Supply Chain Progress

General Motors is making progress in its supply chain:

• The company has invited tier 1 suppliers to sign the GM Supplier Pledge and enhance emissions tracking in its supply chain.
• The company is monitoring the participation of global tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers in terms of sustainability performance through the help of CDP and EcoVadis.
• GM is promoting supplier CO2 emission reductions through Manufacture 2030 (M2030).
• The company is working on contractually securing its battery raw materials supply for EV production.