Ford hits production emissions target

The OEM has achieved its goal of reducing global CO2 emissions from manufacturing operations by 30% per vehicle, eight years earlier than expected. The target was set back in 2010 and was originally planned for completion in 2025.

“We are proud of the work we have done to achieve this goal,” said Bruce Hettle, group vice president, manufacturing and labor affairs. “We’ve made several improvements to our manufacturing operations – from the lighting we use to plant consolidations – all of which played a role in dramatically reducing our CO2 footprint.”

Between 2010 and 2017, Ford has managed to reduce emissions produced from manufacturing processes by over 3.4 metric tons. One of the areas that saw a significant emissions reduction was the paint shop.

“Painting operations use a large amount of energy,” commented Andy Hobbs, director, environmental quality office. “Introducing technology that allows wet-on-wet paint application and eliminates a drying oven, in more plants has significantly decreased energy use while maintaining quality.”

Looking forward, the company has said it will further reducing emissions from its manufacturing operations by using renewable energy sources, but has not yet outlined plans for a new target.