Ford announces carbon neutrality plans and 2035 goals
Plans for carbon neutrality by 2050 and a 76% reduction in emissions by 2035 have been outlined by Ford in its latest sustainability plan, dubbed Helping Build A Better World.
The vehicle manufacturer has used the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to set interim emissions targets that are in line with what the latest climate scientists deem necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The 2035 targets consist of reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions from company global operations by 76 per cent and from new vehicles sold globally by 50 per cent per kilometre.
Key to the reduction of emissions is the development of electrified vehicles with the firm’s strategy in Europe to electrify passenger vehicles by 2030. For commercial vehicles, there will be all-electric or plug-in hybrid offerings by 2024, the company said.
Specific plans include a $1bn investment to its vehicle assembly facility in Cologne to turn it into a centre for the manufacture of electric vehicles. Also, the next generation Ford Transit Custom range will include all-electric models built by Ford Otosan in Turkey.
Over the past decade, Ford has achieved a 40% reduction in the carbon footprint through improved energy efficiency and conservation at company facilities, as well as manufacturing processes. Ford’s objective of using 100% locally sourced renewable electricity for all manufacturing plants by 2035 is on track and is closely linked with its commitment to electrified vehicles.
The company recently doubled the investment in electric vehicles to $22bn by 2026 as electrifies numerous vehicles, such as the Mustang Mach-E SUV, which rolled out in North America in late 2020, followed by Europe in early 2021, and China later this year.
Speaking about the report, Bob Holycross, chief environment and sustainability and safety officer, said: “We will lead in achieving carbon neutrality because it’s the right thing for customers, the planet and for Ford.
“Ninety-five per cent of our carbon emissions today come from our vehicles, operations and suppliers, and we’re tackling all three areas with urgency and optimism.”
The company’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal is aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, and the news includes a single integrated report on progress for the first time, increasing transparency and providing a more holistic view of the company’s aims, it said.
Image courtesy of Ford
