General Motors Africa & Middle East (GM AMEO) is doubling down on its carbon footprint reduction across operations, supply chain and distribution network aiming for a 95% operational carbon footprint reduction annually by 2024.

The automaker highlighted that it is currently saving 330 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, rising to a saving of approximately 2,000 metric tons of CO2 annually by 2024.

Through a series of sustainability initiatives across its Middle East facilities, GM has confirmed it By 2035, GM operations in the UAE will have reduced carbon emissions by approximately 24,000 metric tons, equivalent to planting approximately 876,000 trees, from a 2022 baseline.

GM Middle East’s carbon footprint reduction will be spearheaded by the installation of solar panels at GM’s Middle East Distribution Center, the highest energy generating facility for GM in the UAE.

The solar power project is scheduled to be complete in 2023 with 13,000 sq m of the latest-technology solar panels achieving 100% solar power for this facility.  

This announcement highlights GM’s environmental stewardship across its operations.  This regional reduction contributes to GM’s global commitment to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions* 72% by 2035 from a 2018 base year.

These regional initiatives align with GM’s global commitment to prioritize climate actions, including building on the company’s philanthropic commitment to equitable climate action. Previously, GM had announced $50 million had been committed to its global Climate Equity Fund, helping to close equity gaps in the transition to electric vehicles and other sustainable technology. This is in addition to GM’s $35 billion global investment in electric vehicle and autonomous vehicle programs, research, technology, manufacturing and charging infrastructure.

“At General Motors, we are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transforming the communities where we work and live by striving towards zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion,” said Kristen Siemen, GM Vice President of Sustainable Workplaces and Chief Sustainability Officer.

“Climate action is a priority and every company must push itself to decarbonize further and faster. We are proud of the work being done to reduce our carbon footprint in the region as we continue to advance on our commitment to lead an all-electric, carbon-neutral future.”

Luay Al Shurafa, President and Managing Director, General Motors Africa and Middle East said: “Our commitment to sustainability here in the Middle East is clear through announcements such as this 95% reduction in annual operational carbon emissions and our plan to launch 13 all-new electric vehicles (EVs) in the region by 2025. Our goal is to be the industry leader in EVs and in the UAE we will have reduced our CO2 emissions by 24,000 metric tons by 2035.

“As part of our strategy to help reduce emissions globally, we’re also planning to source 100% renewable energy globally by 2035 and from recycled metals to suede, we're planning to use at least 50% sustainable material content in our vehicles by 2035. The transition to an inclusive zero emissions future supports and aligns with the UAE’s visionary and inspiring Green Agenda 2030 and NetZero 2050 initiatives. Building a better tomorrow cannot be done alone, strategic partnerships in the private and public sectors are crucial to our shared goals."

These findings will form part of GM’s Middle East’s first-ever Mena ESG Intelligence Report in collaboration with Oxford Business Group (OBG), which will be published later in 2022. – TradeArabia News Service