Ford Again Receives Global Corporate Sustainability Honors For Leadership In Climate Change

Ford Motor Company was recognized for leadership in corporate sustainability by CDP, securing a place on the global environmental nonprofit group’s prestigious ‘A List’ for tackling climate change and protecting water security.

Climate protection and water management are key parts of Ford’s comprehensive approach to long-term sustainability and helping transition to a low-carbon economy. This is the second straight year Ford, one of 270 global companies named to the A List, has been recognized by CDP for climate-change efforts. Ford has received A’s from CDP for water reduction for six years in a row and is one of only 106 companies globally to earn such an award for water security.

“We are making real progress in reducing our impact on the planet,” said Bob Holycross, Ford’s chief sustainability, environment and safety officer. “Our people, customers and investors expect us to do more around climate change and we are up to the challenge, because we know that what’s good for the planet is good for our business.”

Ford is the only full-line U.S. automaker that has committed to reduce CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Agreement for climate change. Earlier this year the company announced it intends to achieve carbon neutrality globally no later than 2050, while setting urgent interim targets to address climate change. Ford also led the way in reaching a voluntary agreement with California to adopt meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Ford is investing more than $11.5 billion in electric vehicles through 2022. In 2017 Ford achieved its goal to reduce the company’s global carbon dioxide emissions from manufacturing operations by 30 percent per vehicle produced by 2025, eight years early.

Since 2000, the company has worked to conserve water through its global water initiative and has reduced operational water use by 70 percent, saving more than 11 billion gallons of water.

Ford continues to incorporate more water-efficient processes and technologies, with a long-term goal of using zero drinkable water in its vehicle manufacturing. For example, the company uses internally treated and externally sourced non-potable water at its Irapuato Transmission Plant in Mexico. In China, treated wastewater recycling systems have been installed at four assembly plants. And in the U.S., Ford’s Flat Rock, Mich., and Kansas City, Mo., assembly plants have recycling and reuse systems that generate treated wastewater to supplement water used in their paint shops.

“We extend our congratulations to all the companies on this year’s A List,” said Paul Simpson, CEO of CDP. “Taking the lead on environmental transparency and action is one of the most important steps businesses can make and is even more impressive in this challenging year marked by COVID-19.

“The scale of the risk to businesses from climate change, deforestation and water insecurity is enormous, and we know the opportunities of action far outweigh the risks of inaction. Our A List celebrates those companies who are preparing themselves to excel in the economy of the future by taking action today.”

Since 2000, Ford’s annual sustainability report has tracked the company’s wide-ranging approach to and significant achievements in corporate social responsibility related to climate change, water conservation and air quality, among other issues.