Nov 25 2010
Chevrolet revealed that it plans to invest $40 million in different clean energy projects all over America, for achieving a goal of reducing 8 million metric tons of CO2 discharges. These projects would promote renewable energy conservation, energy savings and a responsible usage of natural resources all over the United States.
As stated by the US Environmental Protection Agency, 8 million metric tons is the equivalent of powering 970,874 homes for one year or the reduction of carbon from 1.7 million acres of pine forest during a year.
The clean projects to be implemented by Chevrolet would include projects that would contribute to the forestry plans across America; segregating combustible methane from land fill areas to be used for generating clean energy and also for enhancing the domestic air quality and security; promoting solar and wind farms that provide renewable energy to the grid and assist the farms in increasing their income per acre; and supply of energy efficient technological systems such as solar panels and smart energy sensors to community-based facilities and schools which require upgrades, to decrease heating bills and reduce CO2 discharges.
According to Dan Akerson, CEO of GM, their company had made tremendous inroads in reducing the harmful impacts on the environment, but he was certain that much more could be done. He stated that this investment by Chevrolet is mainly to extend the initiatives made by GM for the past several years. These clean projects would help Chevy to connect with the customers.
Eileen Claussen, Pew Center’s President applauded Chevrolet for its efforts to resolve the problems faced, while traveling towards a low carbon future. She remarked that Chevy with an iconic status in America, is indicating plainly that action can be taken to promote clean energy projects.
From the year 1990, GM has reduced the emission to 60%, and has ploughed in several millions to construct fuel efficient cars such as the Chevy Volt Electric Car and Chevrolet Cruze Eco. According to Claussen, both the Volt and the Chevy’s commitment to clean energy will raise the awareness levels in the country. GM’s other sustainable initiatives include using land fill gas, solar and thermal power at all GM plants to replace fossil fuel usage; decreasing water usage by around 35% between the years 2005 and 2009 in the manufacturing units; and recycling more than 90% of the waste being generated during manufacturing processes.
The investments would be done via a third party group, the Bonneville Environmental Foundations, a Portland-based non-profit organization. To enunciate the program’s investment portfolio and project criteria, GM has roped in academics, non-government organizations and environmental experts via the Climate Neutral Business Network.
Source: http://www.chevycarbonreduction.com