Posts Tagged green transportation

Why CSR Reports Are a Useful Tool for Greening Your Business

“Let’s be honest. Creating an environmentally sustainable business is a challenge. There are several factors that go into the green equation, from water and energy use to ecological impact, but the idea is to start somewhere and, often times, the best way to start is by tracking the sustainability footprint of your own company.

Twelve years ago, Ford Motor Company began releasing its annual sustainability report, designed to both highlight the company’s progress in sustainable practices and also show us where our efforts could be improved. Over the years, we’ve seen significant progress in reducing vehicle emissions, increasing the volume of sustainable and recycled materials used in manufacturing, and putting fuel-efficient vehicles on the road, among other things.”

Why CSR Reports Are a Useful Tool for Greening Your Business via John Viera – Ford – GreenBiz.com

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Ford Announces Extension to Range of Electrified Vehicles

“It was just a few years ago that Ford, along with the rest of Detroit’s auto manufacturers, found themselves sidelined for ignoring fuel efficiency. How times have changed. These days, Ford likes to stress that theyoffer 12 vehicles which achieve best-in-class fuel economy across various market segments, and sell four vehicles that get in excess of 40 mpg. Yesterday, Jim Farley, Group Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford Motor Company announced their future vehicle electrification plans will continue to deliver on their so called “green-pillar” commitment, further enhancing consumer choice of fuel efficient vehicles.”

Ford Announces Extension to Range of Electrified Vehicles via Phil Covington – Triple Pundit

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Ford to Triple Production Capacity of Electrified Vehicles in North America by 2013, Led by C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi

  • Ford to triple production capacity of electrified vehicles in North America by 2013, investing in even more C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicles
  • Expanding production capacity of electrified C-MAX lineup brings a stronger business case than introducing gasoline-powered seven-passenger vehicle in North America
  • Ford adding more than 220 green technology jobs in Michigan, including total of 170 at Rawsonville and Van Dyke Transmission plants, plus more than 50 new electrified-vehicle engineers based in Dearborn in the past year
  • Production of all-new C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid scheduled to begin at Michigan Assembly Plant in 2012, with locally sourced battery packs and electric drive transaxles built by Michigan workers

Sterling Heights, Mich., June 9, 2011 – Ford Motor Company announced today it is tripling production capacity of its electrified vehicle lineup through 2013, further boosting volumes of its all-new C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, which begin production next year.

“Customers have come to expect fuel efficiency with every new vehicle Ford delivers today, and now we are further differentiating our electrified vehicle lineup with something else people truly value – choice,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. “Whether people want a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or full battery electric vehicle, we have a family of vehicles for them to consider, providing a range of options to best meet their needs and support their driving habits and lifestyles.”

Ford is electrifying platforms – versus a single vehicle – to offer customers the most choice. Five electrified vehicles are planned for North America by 2012 – including the Transit Connect Electric, on sale now, and Focus Electric this year. The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid will be followed by another next-generation hybrid in 2012.

Today, Ford sells approximately 35,000 electrified vehicles a year, led by the Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid – the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America and the most fuel-efficient SUV in the world, respectively.

Ford will grow its electrified vehicle production capacity to more than 100,000 annually by 2013, thanks to growing consumer appetites for green vehicles and growing desires for stylish new Focus-sized vehicles.

The new Ford C-MAX five-passenger vehicle, which is the base for the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, is leaving European dealer lots at twice the rate of last year’s model. More than 100,000 of these new vehicles have been sold in Europe since its launch in late 2010, and Ford is already finding new ways to produce more European C-MAX models than originally expected at its Valencia, Spain, plant.

“European customers are snapping up our C-MAX five-passenger models, telling us they love the vehicle’s sporty appearance, driving quality, interior comfort and clever use of space,” Farley said. “We plan to be aggressive in delivering products like this that people really want and make smart decisions supporting our One Ford plan.”

Ford’s plan to invest in even more capacity for its five-passenger C-MAX electrified models for North America replaces an earlier plan of introducing the gasoline-engine-powered seven-passenger C-MAX multi-activity vehicle.

This also marks the first time North American customers will have the choice of a dedicated body style for a range of Ford electrified vehicles.

Emerging “Green” Center of Manufacturing Excellence

Both the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi models will be built alongside the all-new 2012 Ford Focus and Focus Electric at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., the first plant in the world to produce gasoline-powered vehicles, full-electric vehicles, hybrid and plug-in hybrids under one roof.

The plant’s production is powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.

The new green vehicle lineup also is bringing jobs to Ford and America.

In total, Ford is adding more than 220 green technology jobs in Michigan alone as the state becomes its center of excellence for vehicle electrification. This includes a combined 170 jobs at Ford’s Rawsonville and Van Dyke Transmission plants, plus more than 50 new engineers based in Dearborn in the past 12 months specifically for the design and development of key component for Ford hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full battery electric vehicles.

Employees at the Rawsonville Plant in Ypsilanti, Mich., are on tap to assemble advanced lithium-ion battery packs for C-MAX Hybrid, and today Ford confirmed the larger lithium-ion battery packs for C-MAX Energi also will be produced at Rawsonville. Production currently is performed by a supplier in Mexico.

Both battery packs are being designed in-house by Ford engineers. Although the battery packs differ in size, energy storage and power output, they are designed for efficient production in the same flexible manufacturing facility.

Ford’s Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., also benefits from electrified versions of the C-MAX. Employees there are building the electric drive transaxles, work currently outsourced to a supplier facility in Japan for current model hybrids.

“Ford’s commitment to grow our electrified vehicle family brings good news for our customers, employees, the economy and the environment,” Farley said.

Efficiency comes standard

The new Ford C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better mpg than Fusion Hybrid and is the first of two new Ford Hybrids to use lithium ion battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries are up to 50 percent lighter and 25 percent smaller than current nickel-metal-hydride batteries and increase the amount of energy available to extend the vehicle’s driving distance and boost fuel economy.

This all-new hybrid also will travel at a higher all-electric speed than Fusion Hybrid’s 47 mph.

The C-MAX Energi, featuring a 240-volt charging system, will be able to fully recharge faster than Chevy Volt and is being engineered to deliver more overall driving range than any other plug-in or extended range electric vehicle. It is also targeted to achieve AT-PZEV status.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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Top 10 Climate-Ready Cities in the U.S.

“Cities are now home to a majority of the world’s population and are on the front line in the battle against climate change.  While action at the federal level in the U.S. has been painfully slow, cities in the U.S. are starting to lead by example at a local level. Cities must take an active role in helping their constituents (starting with themselves of course) to mitigate their impact on climate change as well as begin investing in appropriateclimate change adaptation solutions.

I felt that it was time to do some analysis on U.S. Cities which are positioning themselves to be leaders in climate capitalism. I have used proxies and a methodology for ranking the largest cities in the U.S. based on a range of factors including political commitment (as measured by number of commitments the city has made with the U.S. MayorsCarbon War Room Cities ChallengeClinton 40, and ICLEI membership), green buildings (LEED buildings per capita), university leadership (AASHE membership/capita), transit access and use (range of metrics on heavy and light rail usage per capita), clean tech investment (venture funds based in city with clean tech investments in 2010) and energy and GHG emissions (from a range of sources)*.”

Top 10 Climate-Ready Cities in the U.S. via Boyd Cohen – CO2 Impact / Triple Pundit

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Five Reasons Why EVs Will Love L.A.

“Last week, I was fortunate to meet with two of the people driving Los Angeles’ transition to plug-inelectric vehicles (PEVs). Beth Jines, the Director of Sustainability for the City of Los Angeles, and Sarah Potts, City Director of Los Angeles for the Clinton Climate Initiative, are working together to navigate thecomplex issues of vehicle electrification and getting support from consumers and the private sector. They discussed how and why L.A. will be a leader in PEV adoption.”

Five Reasons Why EVs Will Love L.A. via John Gartner – Matter Network / Clean Techies

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Green Festival: Thinking Global, Acting Local

“The Chicago Green Festival, held at McCormick Place last weekend, rounded up more than 300 green exhibitors and 125 speakers for two days of cutting-edge sustainable lifestyle action and information.

We stopped by on Sunday to find out what’s new in the sustainability world. Here’s a look at what caught our eye in terms of cool products of note and environmentally friendly organizations with whom Morton Grove activists can partner.”

Green Festival: Thinking Global, Acting Local via Janice Cha – Morton Grove Patch – The Sustainable Beat

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Corporate Innovator Ford Showcases Progressive Eco-Efforts at San Francisco Green Festival

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GREEN FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY MAY 14-15

The nation’s largest green consumer living event returns to the Windy City for 7th year.

Attend Chicago Green Festival, May 14-15 at McCormick Place Lakeside

CHICAGO – March 28, 2011 The largest sustainability event in the nation celebrates 10 years, one million attendees at McCormick Place Lakeside May 14-15. This one-of-a-kind weekend experience offers opportunities for community members to meet their favorite authors, actors and community leaders; shop more than 300 eco-friendly exhibitors; participate in educational workshops; enjoy live music and local vegetarian cuisine; and sample organic chocolates, wine and beer.

Ten stages and pavilions will host more than 125 inspirational and educational speakers and teachers, including Amy Goodman, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, Jeffrey Smith, John Perkins, Colin Beavan (No-impact Man), Dr. Devra Davis, Hunter Lovins, Bianca Alexander and Dr. Sharif Abdullah.

The Green Marketplace showcases more than 300 green and socially-responsible businesses and organizations. Attendees browse everything from non-toxic home products to organic clothing to fair trade treats and décor.

Green Festival gives back GF Bucks to individuals who purchase tickets online or at the door. GF Bucks are the local Green Festival currency and can be used the same-as-cash to shop in the Green Marketplace.

“Last fall, Green Festival stimulated the green economy by giving back $44,000 to local, regional and national sustainable businesses through the new “GF Bucks” admissions policy,” says Global Exchange and Green Festival Founder, Dr. Kevin Danaher.

Green Festival enables individuals to volunteer or donate to various local nonprofits in exchange for complimentary Green Festival admission through the “Pay it Forward, Get it Back” campaign. Engage with Green America, Global Exchange, Gluten Free Vegans, Sierra Club Chicago and more to receive free Green Festival tickets. Also, Green America and Global Exchange members always receive free admission to Green Festival.

A joint project of Green America and Global Exchange, two leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental and social justice for more than 27 years, Green Festival inspires and promotes the connection between change and sustainable progress for people, communities and businesses. Green Festivals empowers people to live healthier lives—socially, economically and environmentally.

“Whether you go to shop, learn, try new organic foods or experience art and music, Green Festival has it all, with the goal to motivate every person to think, participate and make more planet-friendly, sustainable choices in their every day lives,” says Green America and Green Festival Founder, Denise Hamler.

Thank you to Corporate Innovator Ford. Receive complimentary tickets when you visit your Chicago-area Ford Dealer. Test drive one of Ford’s new green hybrid and electric vehicles right at the Green Festival.

Thank you to Green Festival partners: Clif Bar, Clear Channel and NBC.

Engage with Green Festivals online at www.GreenFestivals.org, www.Facebook.com/GreenFestival and www.Twitter.com/GreenFestival for the latest news about the Chicago Green Festival and additional Green Festivals in 2011.

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About Green America

Green America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1982, providing the economic strategies, organizing power and practicing tools for businesses and individuals to address today’s social and environmental problems. Its Green Business Network is the largest national network of businesses screened for their social and environmental responsibility.  www.greenamericatoday.org

About Global Exchange

Global Exchange is a membership-based international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world. Since its founding in 1988, Global Exchange has successfully increased public awareness of root causes of injustice while building international partnerships and mobilizing for change. www.globalexchange.org

About Seven-Star, Inc.

Seven-Star, Inc. is the nation’s premier green full-service event company focusing exclusively on green events. Since 1999, Seven-Star has provided turn-key green event services for environmentally Responsible and socially Respectful (eR/sR) festivals, trade and consumer expositions, conferences and concerts. From the greening of the 2007 International Live Earth events, to the 2008 Democratic National Convention events, to producing the nation’s largest consumer Green Festivals, Seven-Star has defined itself as the company for eR/sR event production. Seven-Star is the first event company to have won the EPA’s Gold Waste Wise Award for Excellence in recognition for their proprietary system of event waste diversion, which has consistently achieved greater than 92%.www.sevenstarevents.com

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Google Maps Now Indicates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

“Google is never one to be left behind in the cold, especially when it comes to innovative green transportation initiatives. The search engine powerhouse has been dabbling in everything from a network of human-powered monorails to self-driving robot cars, but it’s their latest idea that’s really got us excited. Last week, Google added plug-in vehicle charging station locations to its ever-popular U.S. mapping service, Google Maps. Google has teamed up with the U.S. government’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to display chargers listed on its GeoEVSE Forum. So where’s the closest charger in your ‘hood?”

Google Maps Now Indicates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations via Diane Pham – Inhabitat

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Ford Focus Electric named 2011 Green Car Vision Award winner

“Green Car Journal’s annual Green Car Vision Award was presented to Ford at the Washington Auto Show. Honoring the Ford Focus Electric vehicle that will come to market late in 2011, the Green Car Vision Award celebrates an industry-leading, environmentally focused vehicle that is in its early stages of commercialization or in demonstration programs, but not yet on sale.”

Ford Focus Electric named 2011 Green Car Vision Award winner via ABC Green Right Now

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