Suppliers Partnership

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Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) is an innovative partnership between automobile original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). SP addresses the goals of the membership by creating new and innovative business-centered approaches to environmental protection that improve the environment while providing value throughout the automobile supply chain. SP provides a forum for small, mid-sized and large automotive and vehicle suppliers to work together, learn from each other and share environmental best practices.

SP Calendar

SP 1st Quarter Meeting - January 15, 2015

On January 15, 2015, SP held its 1st Quarter Meeting at the GM RenCen in Detroit, MI. EPA's Acting Deputy Administrator Stan Meiburg participated in the meeting, and spoke with participants about the value of collaboration and innovation in advancing sustainability and manufacturing competitiveness.

The meeting also featured a presentation by Walt Tunnessen of EPA's Energy Star program, who discussed the important role of automotive energy managers in shaping today's Energy Star Industrial Partnership Program, and presented a forthcoming energy efficiency engagement opportunity for auto suppliers.

Pictured: (L) Walt Tunnessen, EPA; (R) Doug Andrews, Lear

In addition, the meeting also included presentations by SP members DEKRA Certification, ERA Environmental Management Solutions, FTS Technologies, Haley & Aldrich, GM, Lear Corp., and NMS Management Systems.

Please contact us to learn more about participation in future SP events.

SP Presents Sustainable Innovation Awards to Ford, Goodyear and FTS Technologies

SP hosted its 2nd Annual Sustainable Innovation Awards Ceremony on the evening of October 21 in Rochester, Michigan in conjunction with the organization's annual Summit on Accelerating Innovation. The annual awards program recognizes SP member companies for their outstanding achievements in three award categories: the Spirit of Suppliers Partnership; Creativity in Implementing Sustainable Practices; and, Demonstrating Environmental Innovation in the Manufacturing Process. Read about this year's recognized member companies.

SP Hosts 2nd Annual Summit on Accelerating Innovation, October 21-22, 2014

SP held its 2nd Annual Summit on Accelerating Innovation on October 21-22, 2014 at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan. The Summit brings together automotive industy leaders and leading experts to collaboratively explore opportunities to accelerate innovation to drive economic and environmental value. Summit participants had the opportunity to:

Engage with a cross section of industry leaders across the automotive supply chain in interactive working sessions

Collaboratively develop, explore and examine potential strategies and solutions to shared business challenges

Gain awareness of unique perspectives and approaches, and important gaps and opportunities to be addressed related to sustainable innovation.

Learn more about the Summit by visiting the event website.

GM Spring Hill Manufacturing Hosts Fall SP Membership Meeting

On September 24, GM Spring Hill Manufacturing hosted the Fall membership meeting of the Suppliers Partnership at its Plant Visitor Center in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Participants in the September 24 meeting discussed topics such as Sustainable Manufacturing in the Southeast Supply Chain, and heard from guest speakers such as US EPA, TDEC and RRS on collaborative partnership opportunities in Tennessee.

Pictured (L-R): Ken Knight, GM Spring Hill Mfg; Tom Murray, US EPA; Aiman Abdrabou, Goodyear

For more information on participation in SP activities, contact SP Program Manager Kellen Mahoney.

Robert Bosch Hosts SP's AVA Initiative in Santa Fe, Mexico

On May 21, Robert Bosch hosted the Spring 2014 meeting of SP's Alianza Verde Automotriz (AVA) initiative at its office in the Santa Fe district of Mexico City, Mexico. Arnulfo Berlanga, GM Mexico; Luis Lara, Ford Mexico; and, Delia Rivas, Chrysler Mexico launched the discussion with a review of AVA's new Strategic Plan focused on improving suppliers' environmental performance and competitiveness through implementation of collaborative initiatives. Participants engaged in roundtable discussions to design AVA programs for 2014 - 2015 within this new strategy.

In addition, leaders from Bosch, Nalco and Nissan Mexico presented information on their companies' environmental management programs, and the value of these activities, during the meeting. Read more in SP Newsletter.

For more information on participation in SP's AVA Initiative, contact SP Program Manager Kellen Mahoney.

Pictured: Luis Lara, Ford; Arnulfo Berlanga, GM; Antonio Menor, Bosch; Delia Rivas, Chrysler; Marco Antonio Rivera, Nissan

SP Membership Meets at Chrysler Headquarters in May

On May 16, Chrysler Group LLC hosted SP's 2nd Quarter Membership Meeting at their Corporate Headquarters in Auburn Hills. The membership meeting provides a forum for members to network and engage in discussions about key topics such as chemical management, energy management, materials efficiency, technology & innovation, and water efficiency. Read more in SP Newsletter.

Several guest speakers shared information on voluntary programs available to the automotive industry, including the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)'s North American Truck and Bus (NATBUS) Project; the US Department of Energy (DOE)'s Better Plants and Super Energy Performance Programs; and, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)'s E3 Initiative.

In addition SP member companies provided work group progress reports, and shared case studies and best practices on projects ranging from energy efficiency solutions in manufacturing technology, water conservation, alternatives assessment, and materials efficiency. SP partners presenting included: Bosch Rexroth, Detroit Dirt, FTS Technologies, EQ, GM, Green Team Coalition, Haley & Aldrich, ICL-IP, MIWI, Universal Fibers, and Waste Management.

For more information on SP, and participation in SP activities, please contact Kellen Mahoney, Program Manager (kmahoney@navista.net).

NASCAR and Chevrolet Build Nesting Boxes from Volt Battery Covers

Leading up to the recent NASCAR race at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, Chevrolet and General Motors showed off their product in a different way. Sustainability leaders from the company helped a group of 20 first grade students from a nearby school transform scrap Chevrolet Volt battery cases into wood duck nesting boxes.

Because the Darlington track is home to several acres of protected wetlands, GM partnered with NASCAR to contribute to habitat preservation while sharing some environmental knowledge with future leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Read more.

EPA's Perciasepe Says SP Provides Leadership

EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe told a packed room in Detroit January 15 that he is "proud of EPA's relationship with SP," adding that the group was "providing leadership" on auto industry sustainability.

"We need to develop the demand for innovation, and EPA can't do it alone," said Perciasepe. "Partnership creation is essential to EPA's future. Together, we need to get out of our silos, develop tools and information resources and education to empower partnerships," he said.

Mr. Perciasepe made his remarks before 140+ participants at SP's 1st Quarter Membership Meeting, held at the GM Renaissance Center.

The meeting included presentations on programs and activities of SP’s Working Groups, as well as presentations on environmental sustainability activities of SP members in the auto supply chain, including Bosch and Henkel. The meeting also featured a discussion on Integrating Energy, Carbon and Water Management into the Business Strategy, including SP member representatives from Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and American Honda Motor Co.

For more information on SP, and participation in SP activities, please contact Kellen Mahoney, Program Manager (kmahoney@navista.net).

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