Our GM plant managers are not only concerned with activity inside their plants.
At 21 plants around the world, plant managers are also focused on ways to improve the efficiency of activity outside their plants, and the focus is usually on surrounding habitats.
Over the past 10 years, these global facilities have been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council because of their attention to enhancing wildlife habitats on their grounds.
In this category, GM leads all automotive manufacturers.
“This commitment presents significant benefits to the environment, as well as our employees,” said Susan Kelsey, a GM Environmental Group facilities manager. “It gives them a place to find relaxation, harness creativity and have a tangible, positive impact on the local community.”
Recently, six plants received WHC Wildlife at Work and Corporate Lands for Learning certification programs. They include:
• Inviting local schools to educational activities, creating habitats for amphibians and small mammals, and planting 1,800 trees and 1,500 bushes at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario.
• Encouraging community members to participate in conservation activities, such as constructing and installing bird nesting boxes for Eastern Blue Birds at Arlington Assembly.
• Incorporating site-based conservation education and planting native trees at Baltimore Operations in White Marsh, Md.
• Reusing Chevrolet Volt battery covers for wood duck nesting boxes and involving local experts in their efforts at Milford, Mich. Proving Ground.
• Inviting local schools to participate in site-based events such as planting native trees at the Gravataí, Brazil Plant.
• Teaching students about environmental issues through music, theater, and lectures, and offering employees bi-weekly environmental education at the São José dos Campos, Brazil Plant.
“We find General Motors’ environmental leadership commendable and hope other companies follow their lead,” said Wildlife Habitat Council President Robert Johnson. “WHC congratulates GM for its commitment and contributions to wildlife habitat enhancement, community outreach, and conservation education.”
