Favorite Sun: Anthony Davis Helps Turn Sunlight into Golden Opportunities to Save Energy
Editor’s Note: This is the first of several stories introducing the men and women behind GM’s global sustainability performance, as recently reported in the 2012 GM Sustainability Report.
For Anthony Davis, every ray of sunlight illuminates GM’s path to a future in which its facilities operate with more energy from renewable sources.
As project manager for sustainable and renewable energy solutions, Davis helps identify opportunities for using renewable energy – including solar – at GM facilities worldwide. He analyzes energy savings and the potential for reductions in carbon emissions, and he also explores incentives and partnerships that help support the business case for increasing GM’s solar footprint.
According to the recently released 2012 GM Sustainability Report, GM is the No. 1 automotive user of solar power globally and has 60 megawatts of renewable energy capability installed across its global facilities – nearly halfway to its goal of generating 125 MW by 2020.
In addition to solar arrays that generate electricity to power facilities, GM is increasingly using solar canopies for charging EVs such as the Chevrolet Volt and all-new Chevrolet Spark EV.
“A lot of companies are following our solar leadership and are trying to take the lead as we all increase our focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Davis. “Today’s solar energy solutions are different than they were five years ago, and they will be different five years from now.”
Davis, 27, joined GM full time five years ago after completing two internships with the company. He didn’t originally seek a career in the automobile industry or renewable energy; rather, he studied aerospace and mechanical engineering at Penn State University, where he is now working on his master’s degree in engineering management. In fact, he flirted with an aerospace opportunity before deciding on GM.
After spending two years managing energy and utility services at GM’s Fairfax (Kansas) Assembly Plant, Davis rekindled his passion for environmental stewardship that he developed in middle school in his hometown of Philadelphia.
By high school, Davis was planting trees and in college, he worked with the National Society of Black Engineers to host a symposium with students and professors on the topic of global warming.
“A lot of people I know are surprised that I work for a car company but I don’t work on cars,” said Davis. “When I tell them about all of the environmentally responsible things we’re doing at GM, I know I’m changing people’s opinions about our company.”
Another benefit is that Davis can apply his work experience at home. “My wife and I are in the process of building a house, and you can be sure it will very energy-efficient,” he said.
To view the entire 2012 GM Sustainability Report, please visit http://gmsustainability.com.
