General Motors Corporate Responsibility Newsletter - May 2016

May 3, 2016 2:05 PM ET

WASTE REDUCTION

GM Recycles Water Bottles to Make Chevy Equinox Part
General Motors is turning its employees’ recycled water bottles into a new life: noise-reducing fabric insulation that covers the Chevrolet Equinox engine. The bottles – collected from five of its Michigan facilities – are also being turned into air filtration components and insulation in coats for the homeless community.
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How Refreshing: GM Suppliers Give New Life to Recycled Water Bottles
More than half a million water bottles from five General Motors facilities are getting a second life as the company seeks out more sustainable ways to manufacture products and contribute to communities. What started as an idea about five years ago has evolved into a robust supply “web” that produces three fleece-like materials that benefit products, plants and people.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

GM’s Energy Stars: A Five-Pronged Approach to Advancing Energy Efficiency
General Motors earned its fifth consecutive U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency. With this five-star rating, we’re reflecting on the key groups that help our energy conservation achievements shine brighter every year.
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RESOURCE PRESERVATION 

Earth Week Guest Post Recap
During our 5th annual Earth Day Guest Post series, we heard from five individuals with unique perspectives on sustainability practices. From cleaning the Mississippi River to growing corporate renewable energy projects, the stories illustrate the work people are doing every day to help solve the environmental challenges our world faces. 
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Water Conservation: A Way to Make Waves in Your Industry
It’s no surprise that water is at the core of the United Nations’ new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), given its connection to health, climate change and resiliency. The SDGs seek to improve water quality and to substantially increase recycling and safe reuse globally by 2030. Conserving water drives efficiency and also helps companies save money. Here’s how.
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GREENER VEHICLES

Earth Week Guest Post: When “Eco-Friendly” Equals “Customer-Friendly”
As the president and owner of two General Motors’ Green Dealer facilities – Sunshine Chevrolet in Arden, North Carolina and Don Elliott Autoworld in Wharton, Texas – I believe the smart thing to do today is embrace energy conservation. Environmental upgrades are possible whether building a new facility or upgrading an existing one.
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Dealerships Share their Environmental Best Practices
More than 400 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers have signed up to participate in GM’s Green Dealer program. These dealers, who come from 47 states across the U.S., are implementing energy reduction, renewable energy, water conservation, waste-to-landfill reduction and community outreach practices that deliver cost savings and help differentiate them from their competition. 
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2016 Chevrolet Cruze Offers 42 MPG on the Highway
Powered by an all-new 1.4L Ecotec turbo engine, the 2016 Cruze offers an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 42 mpg.
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Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle Makes Global Debut in Shanghai
The all-new Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) made its global debut at the 2016 Buick Day event in Shanghai, where the award-winning Buick Avista concept was also shown for the first time in China.
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Chevrolet Volt Wins 2016 Canadian Green Car Award
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt was recognized with the 2016 Green Car Award at the Green Living Show. A panel of top Canadian automotive journalists selected the Volt from among six category winners as the vehicle that best combines environmental benefits and mass-market appeal.
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DIVERSITY

GM Named Military Times Best for Vets Employer
For the second consecutive year, General Motors is the only automaker recognized by Military Times in its Best for Vets: Employers 2016 rankings. The Best for Vets list evaluates company culture and policies that cater to military veterans.
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Chevrolet, Buick and GMC Expand Military Discounts
Through May 31, 2016, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC will expand their military discount programs for all 21 million U.S. military veterans and their spouses, in honor of National Military Appreciation Month.
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PHILANTHROPY 

Volunteer Projects Engage Employees and the Community
In corporate volunteerism, a company’s employees and retirees work together with local young students and residents to revitalize a community in need. Community outreach has become a pillar of corporate sustainability. Here’s how to include it in your business.
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