Last week, Chevrolet announced it’s helping support 16 projects across America – from biomass to wind turbines – as part of its commitment to invest in carbon reduction. The agreements account for half of Chevy’s goal of preventing up to 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the air during the next five years. The 16 projects, many in their initial stages, are expected to eventually comprise 4.6 million metric tons.
General Motors is developing more fuel-efficient vehicles that fit customers’ lifestyles and is striving to increase energy efficiency and use alternative energy resources throughout its operations. This initiative extends these efforts. Plus, cars like the Chevy Volt will depend on clean energy systems to achieve their full carbon-reduction potential.
From the beginning, Chevy has collaborated with environmental experts through the Climate Neutral Business Network to guide and inform its carbon-reduction investments. Here’s what some are saying about this update:
• ”Chevy has taken the lead in the race to electrify vehicles, and cut fossil fuel dependence. The carbon reduction projects are part of a broader strategy to envision and deliver more sustainable forms of transportation.” — Eban Goodstein, project advisor and Director of the Bard Center for Environmental Policy
• ”Chevrolet’s commitment to carbon reduction demonstrates that smart investments can deliver benefits to our communities and to our future. Their approach shows that creating a cleaner, healthier climate and growing our economy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are inextricably linked.” — Eileen Claussen, President of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change
• ”Chevy’s investment in reforestation on the San Juan National Forest is insuring the recovery of an area that would not otherwise regenerate trees in our lifetime. The project provides measureable emissions reductions and directly benefits a resource the American public owns. Through this partnership, Chevy is helping the National Forest Foundation protect America’s backyard.”– Bill Possiel, President, National Forest Foundation
• “Chevrolet has shown tremendous courage to take on a carbon reduction commitment in a difficult political and economic environment. The company’s integrated approach – looking at process, product and consumer emissions – is absolutely the right way to ensure that efforts to combat climate change are not only aligned with but also support long-term growth.” — Mark Kenber, CEO of The Climate Group
• “While many corporations are taking a wait-and-see strategy/approach, Chevy continues to demonstrate leadership on carbon reductions by investing in projects that make a real difference in local communities across the US.” – Bob Sheppard, Project Advisor
• “As it approaches its 100 year anniversary, Chevy’s Carbon Reduction Initiative ‘walks the talk’ with sustainable development for the next 100 years now clearly in view. Engaging communities across America, Chevy has encouraged the deployment of a diverse set of carbon reduction technologies that shows us all how a clean energy future can come about. This is ‘green/clean tech’ in action.” — Snehal Desai, Project Advisor
Chevy set its carbon-reduction goal based on the estimated emissions in 2011 from driving the 1.9 million vehicles it is expected to sell in the United States between Nov. 18, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2011.
What are some of the ways you’re reducing carbon footprint in your life and community? Check out the Pew Center for handy tips to curb emissions.
