Ford is known for its strong, durable pickup trucks, but it’s becoming known for having a more sustainable pickup plant. Recently, Ford has been in the news for its Michigan plant, which is studded with eco-friendly accents from the floor to the roof. Green consumers prefer sustainable cars, but it’s also important that these cars are manufactured in environmentally friendly plants too. So how high has Ford raised the bar for other car manufacturers?
Outdoor Technical Aspects
Starting with the exterior, Ford has outdone itself at its Michigan plant. The 10.4 acres of green roof helps with insulation along with the vines on the metal sides of the building. Even though the winters in Michigan can be cold and snowy, the green roof is effective for absorbing the snow and even maintaining the factory’s inside temperature.
The asphalt parking lot isn’t meant for constant traffic, but it allows for the rainwater and melting snow to drain into the sewers. This prevents rainwater runoff, which can contaminate nearby rivers and streams.
Connection to Nature
Employees and visitors can enjoy the small park-like area outside of the plant. The Rouge grounds feature local wildlife such as birds, squirrels, rabbits and even 50,000 bees. One employee who is also a beekeeper on the side manages the hives in exchange for free honey — what a green deal!
This natural space is a great way for employees to enjoy green space, and it also supports local species.
Odds and Ends
In addition to all of this innovation, this Ford plant reuses water in the bathrooms and conserves electricity with energy efficient lighting. Over a ten-year period Ford has reduced its global energy footprint by 30% and decreased its carbon dioxide emissions by 39%.
With such an achievement, it’s no surprise that this isn’t Ford’s first sustainable pickup plant. Ford started its green facilities in Europe, particularly in Genk, Belgium and Bridgend, U.K. At these plants, wind turbines and solar panels are in use.
Ford is definitely creating a sustainable image with its pickup plants, which provides an excellent blueprint for other car manufacturers to follow.
