Boston, June 6, 2025 – 13.9% of General Motors Company (GM) shareholders voted Tuesday in support of Green Century’s resolution asking the company to reduce climate emissions from its supply chain. GM’s supply chain, which includes steel, aluminum and batteries, represents 16% of the company’s impact on climate change.
“Investors want to know how General Motors is addressing the climate impact of its supply chain,” said Green Century president Leslie Samuelrich. “Without a roadmap to cut these emissions, it’s unclear to investors how GM plans to mitigate climate-related risks in line with its zero emissions ambition.”
Steel and aluminum are major climate polluters
The climate impact of GM’s supply chain mainly comes from materials such as steel and aluminum, the production of which is responsible for approximately 10% of global climate emissions. The auto industry is the second-largest consumer of steel, procuring 12% of global supply, and is the largest aluminum buyer in the world. Alternatives such as low-carbon steel and recycled aluminum can reduce climate emissions from each material by over 95%.
GM aims for zero emissions, but lacks a plan for its supply chain
A comprehensive climate transition plan should describe the strategies, milestones, and timelines for a company to deliver on its decarbonization targets. It also includes progress reporting. Green Century’s proposal argued that these steps are as necessary for GM’s supply chain as they are for its other emissions sources.
To achieve zero emissions, GM will need to significantly scale up procurement of low-emissions steel and aluminum from its current target of 10% by 2030, among other steps. And while GM has outlined detailed climate emissions reduction efforts for its operations and vehicle use, it hasn’t disclosed similar targets or plans for its supply chain.
GM has taken some steps to cut supply chain emissions, including target-setting requirements for its suppliers. However, the largest U.S. auto maker has yet to report on results or incorporate existing steps into a supply chain emissions reduction plan that charts a path to zero emissions.
Competitors are doing more to reduce supply chain emissions
Competitors such as Volkswagen and BMW disclose supply chain climate emissions reduction targets and plans, and additional companies including Mercedes, Volvo and Porsche have locked in supplies of more sustainable steel. GM’s lack of a plan to fully mitigate its contribution to climate change may harm its image and credibility so as to become a factor in customer purchasing decisions, particularly in Europe.
“It’s time for GM to apply the same rigor to cutting supply chain emissions that it musters for its other business goals,” said Annie Sanders, director of shareholder advocacy at Green Century. “Investors expect nothing less from a company that aims to lead the automotive industry in creating a world with zero emissions.”
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