Thriving, sustainably

You have extensive experience in sustainability and are coming into this new role after serving as VP of Sustainable Workplaces. Tell us what you are most excited for.

Dane: I want every team member at GM to see and feel the direct impact they can have on achieving our zero emissions vision and our sustainability goals, as well as the positive difference their actions can make for our future. If we can help everyone understand their role in the larger vision, I know we will unlock our collective creativity, which in turn will have tremendous potential to bring about positive change. I’ve seen it happen in pockets and I can’t wait to see it unfold at a truly enterprise level.

We’re excited about the potential to harness our scale for such broad and deep change. As an industry, what can we do to better manage climate change risks and mitigate the effects of transportation? 

Dane: Our transition to electric vehicles is key, and we must continue to minimize our own operational footprint and lead changes toward a circular economy – where waste is eliminated and materials are reused and recycled. Given our scale, anything we do in this area has a meaningful impact. The original “reduce, reuse, recycle” principles still apply to the industry and to us as individuals.

You talk about our transition to electric vehicles, which is important because we also believe the future is all-electric. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the design and implementation of infrastructure for EVs at GM facilities – tell me more about this. 

Dane: We know most EV drivers want to charge primarily at home or at work. That is why it’s imperative we expand our campus charging infrastructure to help our own team members make this transition with confidence. At the same time, we are being thoughtful in our approach, as there is the challenge of simultaneously supporting our utility company partners in reducing their peak loads to create a “greener” grid. Ultimately, we need both EVs and a greener grid on which to charge them to enable a zero emissions future.

That’s an important factor – and one that will play an important part in this role: not only monitoring our sustainability efforts, but to be an advocate and improve performance. Tell us more about what you want to achieve in this role and what success looks like.

Dane: I believe when people can understand the “why,” they will lead improvements and progress on their own. I am confident there are many ideas and innovations just waiting to be discovered – and my goal is to unlock that potential. Success will be reflected in meeting not only our sustainability goals, but also having a thriving business – and both are absolutely possible. In fact, that is what true sustainability means.

That sounds like great leadership. There are already pockets of excellent work underway across the company – tell us more about that work and your team. 

Dane: For several years, we’ve been reducing our operational footprint and have been recognized by external groups for doing so.  For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has recognized us for our disciplined global process to achieve energy efficiency, as well as our renewable energy strategy and results. We’ve also made great strides toward our goal of zero waste. I’m very proud of the work we’re currently accomplishing and what’s to come.

This work is critical to providing positive impact across the company. How can others get involved?

Dane: Every one of us makes choices at work and at home that have implications for the future. Simple actions can make big impacts. Actions such as deciding to consume less, reusing more, replacing single-use plastics with washable or reusable containers, carrying refillable water bottles, supporting the reuse and repurposing of clothing, and even walking more where possible. At work we can each examine our roles and look for ways to eliminate waste, reduce consumption, re-use materials or equipment, and innovate our products for sustainable content and a circular economy approach. We just need to look, and we’ll find ways to make a difference – big and small – and all matter.