This strategy builds on CO2 reductions of approximately 49 percent, or 4.8 million metric tons, from 2000 to 2010. During this same period, Ford reduced facilities-related CO2 emissions per vehicle by 30 percent. Ford also became Climate Registered with the publication of its complete carbon inventory for 2010 by the Climate Registry, a voluntary North American carbon disclosure program.
“Emissions reduction is a key element of Ford's approach to sustainability and we plan to build on our accomplishments moving forward," said Andy Hobbs, director, Environmental Quality Office. "This Climate Leadership Award is a symbol of the dedication our employees have made to become a leader in reducing manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions."
Steps taken by Ford to create facilities-related greenhouse gas and energy-use reductions include:
· Reducing CO2 emissions from its global manufacturing facilities by approximately 49 percent, or 4.8 million metric tons, from 2000 to 2010. During this same period, the company reduced facilities-related CO2 emissions per vehicle by 30 percent.
· Voluntarily committing to measure, independently verify and publicly report greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis as the first automaker the Climate Registry.
· Participating in greenhouse gas reporting initiatives in China, Australia, the Philippines and Mexico.
Ford received its sixth consecutive EPA Energy Star Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award, which recognizes the company's continued leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. Ford's Global Emissions Manager database is used to track energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental metrics to enable internal progress reports and public reporting
Ford plans to achieve its 30 percent reduction goal through a variety of energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction technologies, including:
Improved paint processes: Improved paint processes include implementation of the 3-wet paint process and recirculation of air in paint spray booths. The 3-wet process reduces volatile organic compounds by 10 percent and CO2 emissions by up to 40 percent compared to traditional paint systems.
Robotic parts washing system: Cleans parts mechanically by moving them in front of specialized high-pressure nozzles with a robotic arm. This new robotics-based system saves energy because, unlike previous systems, it does not require any heat. It also uses a much smaller water pump.
Minimum quantity lubrication: In MQL, a machining tool is lubricated with a very small amount of oil sprayed directly on the tip of the tool in a finely atomized mist, instead of with a large quantity of coolant/water mixture.
Paint emissions concentrator: In Ford's PEC, volatile organic compound emissions are super-concentrated by approximately 2000:1. In this super-concentrated state, the VOCs themselves can be burned as a fuel source, reducing the amount of natural gas necessary to destroy them. By reducing the need for natural gas, the fumes-to-fuel system has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 to 85 percent compared to traditional abatement equipment.
Energy performance contracting: During 2010 and 2011, Ford packaged 40 buildings in the Dearborn, Mich., area into a performance contract to upgrade to more efficient lighting. The project reduced energy use by more than 18.2 million kilowatt-hours – enough to power 1,648 U.S. homes for a year. The project also eliminated more than 11,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions.