GM DCs recognized for energy efficiency

by MM&D Online Staff
GM's Arizona IT Innovation Center in Chandler uses solar to power 9 percent of its monthly energy use. This facility earned ENERGY STAR certification.
GM’s Arizona IT Innovation Center in Chandler uses solar to power 9 percent of its monthly energy use. This facility earned ENERGY STAR certification.

DETROIT, Michigan–Eleven General Motors facilities have earned ENERGY STAR certification for superior energy efficiency from the US Environmental Protection Agency. These buildings, which include seven parts distribution centres, a global headquarters office and three IT innovation office centres, have optimized their buildings to leave a smaller carbon footprint.

To earn ENERGY STAR certification, buildings must perform better in energy efficiency than 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide and meet strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.

“It makes good business sense to pursue a greener product in every segment of the value chain,” said Al Hildreth, GM’s global energy manager. “This includes the areas that support our business and keep our company running optimally, like our efficient warehouses, IT centers and office buildings.”

GM leads the automotive industry in certified DCs. The following Customer Care and Aftersales facilities, which supply automotive parts to dealerships and customers for vehicle repair, achieved certification:

  • Customer Care and Aftersales World Headquarters, Grand Blanc, Michigan
  • Denver Parts Distribution Center, Colorado
  • Fontana Parts Distribution Center, California
  • Lansing National Parts Distribution Center, Michigan
  • Martinsburg Parts Distribution Center, West Virginia
  • Memphis ACDelco Parts Distribution Center, Tennessee
  • Rancho Cucamonga Parts Distribution Center, California
  • Willow Run Parts Distribution Center, Michigan

These facilities implemented a number of energy conservation projects. The Grand Blanc facility installed energy-efficient LED lighting, upgraded heating and cooling systems, and engaged employees in a “Bring Your Green to Work” event with local energy utilities to discuss energy-saving ideas for both the home and office.

“This recognition demonstrates the collaborative work by our employees who are focused on saving energy and improving our efficiency,” said Tim Turvey, GM Customer Care and Aftersales global vice-president.

Additionally, three new GM IT innovation office centers earned certification:

  • The Arizona IT Innovation Center in Chandler uses solar to power 9 percent of its monthly energy use
  • The Georgia IT Innovation Center in Roswell installed an advanced intelligent boiler control to optimize energy efficiency
  • The Austin IT Innovation Center in Texas sets workplace and conference room lighting to operate at 50 percent of maximum output

These three sites house software developers, project managers, database experts and other IT professionals supporting GM’s business worldwide. All buildings were designed and built following Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design strategies and practices, and rank an average of 43 percent below the median national average for energy use.

GM is committed to consistently making its global operations more energy efficient. It has earned three consecutive EPA ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence awards for energy management and leads all companies in the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry. GM was one of the first 13 companies to sign the White House American Business Act on Climate Pledge and is a Ceres BICEP Climate Declaration signatory since 2013.