GM Earns 2019 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- General Motors will receive a 2019 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award in Energy Management for continued leadership and superior contributions to ENERGY STAR. This is GM's eighth recognition for Sustained Excellence. GM's commitment to reducing energy intensity since 2010 has eliminated 1.5 million tons in carbon emissions, equivalent to the electric use of 260,000 homes for a year. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presents the Sustained Excellence Award to partners that have already received ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year recognition for a minimum of two consecutive years and have gone above and beyond the criteria needed to qualify for recognition. It is the highest honor an organization can receive from the EPA for energy management. In 2018, GM had 17 buildings that were ENERGY STAR-certified, including two data centers. It met the Energy Star Challenge for an industry with eight additional facilities globally for a total of 135 recognitions, more than any other company. Alfred J. Hildreth, global energy manager for GM addressed the recognition, saying: 

"Energy efficiency is a key part of General Motors' strategy for a future with zero emissions...while our comprehensive energy strategy integrates sustainable practices across our value chain for maximum progress, our approach prioritizes reducing energy consumption through robust energy efficiency programs. We're honored to serve as an industry leader and are thankful for ENERGY STAR's continued recognition." 

In 2010, GM committed to reducing its energy and carbon intensity by 20 percent by 2020, and in 2017, met and exceeded this goal ahead of schedule. Energy efficiency and conservation is a team effort, with each plant contributing to energy-related goals as part of its business plan. Teams share best practices and implement low cost/no cost initiatives identified in energy treasure hunts and use energy performance contracting for larger projects like LED lights, building management systems, and variable speed drives on motors. 

GM is also committed to increasing its renewable energy footprint globally and finding clean energy solutions near its operations. To date, GM has contracted or invested in a total of 1.71 terawatt hours of clean energy power in North America, equivalent to powering more than 145,000 households, and more than any other automaker in the region. 

Bill Wehrum, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation congratulated GM, and this year's other winners, saying: 

"I applaud the 2019 ENERGY STAR Award Winners...their innovation and leadership enhance America's economic competitiveness. Reducing costly energy waste improves air quality and public health while protecting the environment." 

GM will be recognized by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy at a ceremony in Washington on April 11, 2019. For more information about Energy Star, its awards criteria, and methodology, visit energystar.gov/awardwinnershttps://www.energystar.gov/about/awards/2019_energy_star_award_winners.

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