DETROIT – General Motors was again ranked on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for corporate sustainability leadership in the automotive industry. This is the second year GM has been selected as an index component and the company remains the only automaker on the North American index.
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index is the leading global benchmark for corporate sustainability. DJSI tracks leading sustainability-driven companies based on investment firm RobecoSAM’s analysis of financially relevant environmental, social and governance factors.
“The DJSI ranking demonstrates that GM is doing business with a greater sense of purpose,” said Craig Glidden, GM executive vice president public policy and general counsel. “This practice benefits our customers and employees, and helps us better serve the communities where we work around the world.”
GM’s score increased 5 points this year thanks to higher rankings in 14 of 22 categories, with perfect scores in climate strategy and brand management. GM also received a high score in the index’s new materiality category, which evaluates sustainability issues linked to business drivers.
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Another major update to the DJSI methodology is an increased focus on human rights. Last year, GM joined the UN Global Compact, pledging to support and promote the compact’s 10 principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
Recently, GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra committed to a vision of a decarbonized automotive industry. Convened by the World Economic Forum, Barra, as well as 13 other automotive CEOs, committed to the idea that safe and affordable automotive transportation is no longer just for a privileged few.
GM also launched its Do Your Part recycling initiative, collecting water bottles from six GM facilities and Flint, Michigan residents. The plastic is transformed through a supply web of 11 companies and philanthropic organizations into three new materials that benefit products, plants and people.
For more information on GM’s environmental commitment, visit its sustainability report and environmental blog.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
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Sustainable Brands Staff
Published Sep 9, 2016 3pm EDT / 12pm PDT / 8pm BST / 9pm CEST