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General Motors Corporation:

In Practice

Partner Profile

General Motors Corporation (GM) is one of the largest manufacturers of automobiles in the United States.  GM produces many vehicle brands in the US and worldwide, including Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and Saab. GM participates in ENERGY STAR's Motor Vehicle manufacturing focus, and was awarded Partner of the Year in 2002 and 2004. 

Industrial Partner Since 1995

Awards & Recognition

  • Sustained Excellence 2004
  • Excellence in Energy Management 2002

General Motors Corporation

Contact Information:
 General Motors Corporation
300 Renaissance Center
Detroit, MI 48265-3000
313-665-2968

In Practice

2: Assess Performance

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2.1: Gather Data

General Motors Corporation - Good Tracking Pays

Establishing a tracking system requires an investment of time and money. But, once the system is in place, it can pay for itself by highlighting which facilities use the most energy, pointing to areas of greatest opportunity, and even identifying errors in utility bills, such as overcharges, that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.  General Motors estimates that its tracking system, which took over $1 million to develop, has paid for itself multiple times.

3: Set Goals

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3.3: Establish Goals

Goal

25 percent reduction in total energy use from 1995 levels by 2005.

5: Implement Action Plan

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General Motors - Engaging Plant Operators Pays

As part of its comprehensive energy management plan, General Motors Corporation (GM) develops "Energy Sufficiency Plans" that focus on individual employees taking responsibility for energy in their own work area.  These plans provide detailed information on procedures for turning off equipment, lights, fans, etc. and steps for identifying energy waste in each area of a plant.

The steps and actions outlined in the "sufficiency plans" also identify the person who is responsible for managing a particular piece of equipment and the expected energy performance and savings.  GM's energy management program provides training and support as needed to individual operators to help ensure their success.  Involving personnel at the operator level has paid off. GM estimates that the sufficiency plans have helped save over $57,000,000 within two years.