Dearborn-based automotive company, Ford Motor Co., today announced its plan to reduce the environmental footprint of its supply chain with an enhanced Partnership for A Cleaner Environment program – which has grown to more than 40 suppliers in 40 countries.
While many sustainability practices already have been implemented at the company’s manufacturing sites, Ford has expanded the program now to include tools that help suppliers reduce carbon-dioxide emissions and waste, and to help make water and energy consumption more efficient.
As part of PACE, Ford offers practices and monitoring tools to help its suppliers track and achieve their own sustainability goals. In return, the suppliers report their environmental progress and share their own best practices. Participating suppliers are already on track to save an estimated 550 million gallons of water over the next five years – enough to fill 837 Olympic swimming pools.
“As a company, it’s important that we make quality products and minimize the impact on the environment by doing things the right way,” says Mary Wroten, senior manager of Ford Supply Chain Sustainability. “Having suppliers that want to share that responsibility shows we can work together to reduce our collective environmental footprint, while still continuing to deliver great products.”
However, the fight for sustainability isn’t just about water. Suppliers participating in PACE could also see carbon emissions reduced by nearly 500,000 metric tons worldwide during the next five years. That’s equivalent to eliminating the carbon emissions of over 50,000 homes a year.
Ford supplier Denso has been Operating in 38 countries alone, participating in PACE since the program began in 2014. “We are serious about protecting lives and preserving the planet, and sharing best practices with Ford helps further that mission to sustain the environment globally,” says Jim Laney, Denso senior manager of safety, health, and environment in North America.
So far, Denso has set targets for carbon-dioxide reductions in its manufacturing processes. The global supplier also focuses on cutting back electricity and water use with highly efficient equipment. This means installing closed circuit cooling systems and replacing metal halide lights with T-8 LED lighting.
A commitment to supply chain sustainability has earned Ford a place on the Ethisphere Institute’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the eighth year in a row. With about 201,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles.
