Toronto Green Living Show - Today, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment recognized General Motors of Canada as the first automaker and the largest company yet to be honoured by Ontario’s Environmental Leaders (OEL) Program. All of General Motors Canada's operations were included in the receipt of this new recognition.

The Ontario Environmental Leaders program recognizes and rewards leading companies and organizations that commit to reducing their environmental impact beyond what is required by regulation. The program has rigorous entry criteria, requiring a robust environmental management system and solid compliance record. Each application is scrutinized by an external stakeholder panel representing industry, environmental groups and academia.

GMCL is the only auto manufacturer to consistently report GHG emissions from its operations and has been recognized by the Voluntary Challenge / ISO GHG Registry as a Gold Level reporter for 9 consecutive years. GMCL’s total facility GHG emissions are 50% lower than 1990 levels despite producing 12% more vehicles.

“General Motors is honoured to be the first automaker admitted to the prestigious OEL Program,” said David Paterson, vice president corporate and environmental activities for General Motors of Canada. “We have worked consistently over a long period of time to take significant action to reduce the environmental impact of our facilities and offer customers meaningful and affordable environmental vehicle choices.”

"Congratulations to General Motors for becoming an Ontario Environmental Leader! GM's total facility greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 49% between 1990 and 2006, and that is to be commended,” said Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen. “Sustainable and corporately responsible business is good for the environment and Ontario’s green economy.”

GM’s environmental commitments for the OEL include significant VOC emission reductions at its Oshawa Autoplex and commitments across its Ontario facilities to conserve energy, reduce hazardous and non-hazardous waste and operate stewardship programs for facility based PCB and mercury.

General Motors of Canada will this year offer the widest selection of fuel efficient hybrid vehicle models of any car company in Canada and continues to work toward the introduction of plug in electric vehicles in the near future. GM is engineering and manufacturing advanced environmental technologies ranging from hybrids and E85 biofuels to new plug in electric and fuel cell vehicles. Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, GMCL employs more than 15,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 732 dealerships and retailers across Canada.

Courtesy: General Motors, Canada

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Posted by Jigar Gondalia on 26 April, 2008 3:56:51 PM IST #