21 May 2010 | Andrea Klettner
Ford is to survey its 35 top global suppliers on their energy use and estimated greenhouse gas emissions in a bid to reduce its own carbon footprint.
The Detroit-based auto manufacturer said its goal was to better understand its supply chain. It plans to use the data to create a carbon management approach to its purchasing.
The 35 suppliers, including DuPont, Bosch and Johnson Controls, represent almost 30 per cent of Ford’s $65 billion (£45 billion) annual procurement spend.
Tony Brown, Ford group vice-president, global purchasing, said: “Suppliers play an important role as we look to reduce our overall carbon footprint and drive more efficiency in an energy-constrained world.
“This initiative builds on our leadership in collaborating with suppliers and gives them a way to participate in solving an issue that faces our entire industry.”
The suppliers include companies that make seats, steering systems, tyres and metal components, which require large amounts of energy to produce and have large carbon footprints.
Randy Leslie, Johnson Control vice-president and general manager of the Ford business unit, said: “As a company, we are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2018, and are doing so through efficient manufacturing processes and the development of eco-friendly products.”
The data gathered by Ford will contribute to the company’s bid to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2020.
