It doesn’t mean those who have EVs are only ones doing the grace of saving the environment, in fact, others too are doing their best to preserve the eco-system which may not be seen in the broad daylight, but can be expressed in terms of various other forms of communications. Here, the Ford had came up with its 2013-2014 Sustainability Report, which said the company had reduced water usage by deploying various innovative techniques in its plant around the world.
In specific terms, Ford reduced per vehicle water use by 30 percent globally from a 2009 baseline, achieved the goal two years ahead of schedule. The American carmaker is also planning to further reduce the water by another 2 percent this year which will set new long-term goals.
“As Ford continues with its largest global expansion in more than 50 years, the company also recognizes that working in regions struggling with water scarcity will soon make water a costly commodity,” said John Fleming, executive vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs for Ford Motor Company. “From a business perspective, understanding future constraints and immediately reducing Ford’s water consumption makes sense.”
However, across world there are numerous examples of Ford reduced water usage being experienced, but in Chennai, India, Ford’s vehicle assembly and engine plant now recycles 100% of its wastewater, while in Chongqing, China, Ford’s two assembly plants recycle up to 100,000 gallons of water every day.
As per adapting the innovative techniques the manufacturing facility of Ford in Chennai, had also reduced water consumption per car production by 30% in the past three years while saving on electricity consumption per car by 10%.
To an addition, Ford’s upcoming facility in Sanand, Gujarat will boast similar environment friendly measures. Even measures like energy efficient equipment for installation at the site will not be spared. And with the use of an Environment Operating System (EOS) to monitor and control energy usage, water usage and waste management the facility is designed to achieve zero waste water discharge status.
The Asia Pacific region falls under the same jurisdiction of quality management; hence Changan Ford Engine Plant in Chongqing (China) is adapted to a production process called Minimum Quantity Lubricant or MQL that saves approximately 282,000 gallons of water every year for producing 450,000 engines. The process used in India, Thailand and China are called three-wet paint technology and rotated-entry dip paint technology to reduce water as well as energy and material use.
“We realize water savings through new technologies and processes as well as through re-use and smart thinking,” said Todd Walton, manager, New Business, Environmental Quality Office, Ford Motor Company Asia Pacific. “Water conservation is critical across the globe but especially in areas of increasing population and development. The water we save helps to sustain the health and prosperity of the region and its communities.”
Ford started it in 2000 on a global level and now it is two years ahead of its slated schedule.
- Mentioned below are other highlights of Ford’s Sustainability Report:
- The sale of nearly 2.5 times more electrified vehicles in 2013 compared to 2012
- Ford’s actions to increase supply chain transparency and ensure the materials in our products are sourced responsibly
- An 18 percent reduction of CO2 emissions in the European fleet between 2007 and 2013
- Ford’s priority to accelerate new product development. The 2014 global product launch features 23 new or significantly refreshed vehicles, the most of any year in a century
