September 19, 2006

GM Facilities Cut Energy Use by 25%

General Motors reduced its energy use by 25 percent and added solar and landfill gas as energy sources at its North American facilities over the past five years.

According to GM, the company is one of the leading users of renewable energy in the North American manufacturing sector, with renewable energy sources representing about two percent of its energy use.

GM expects to reduce its energy use from 94 trillion BTUs in 2002, to 72.5 trillion BTUs by the end of the year in GM’s North American region.

GM’s renewable energy portfolio includes:

• The largest corporate use of landfill gas in the U.S. The sum of landfill gas capacity at seven GM operations using the fuel is equivalent to the energy needed to heat over 25,000 households, which represents about 1.6 trillion BTUs per year. Landfill gas installations at GM plants generate annual savings exceeding $5 million.
• The nation’s largest, corporate solar photo voltaic installation. This solar installation directly converts solar power into electricity.
• New small hydro-power installations for GM facilities in Mexico that will become operational in 2007.GM’s conservation efforts include:
• Installing common energy management and control systems for lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
• Improving compressed air systems and paint shop operations.
• Participating in the U.S. EPA Green Lights Program to install more efficient lighting systems in GM’s North American facilities.

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