- GKN Automotive reduced CO2e emissions by 10.5% in 2023 and increased renewable electricity use to 10%.
- 74% of new business came from EV platforms, and 87% of R&D spending focused on decarbonisation products.
- The company aims for a net-zero value chain by 2045 and earned a Silver rating for sustainability from EcoVadis.
GKN Automotive have invested in sustainability, and its new reports shows the benefits throughout last year
GKN Automotive, a global leader in drive systems, has released its second Sustainability Progress Report. The report showcases the company’s achievements in 2023. GKN reported a 10.5% reduction in CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions, primarily through energy-saving initiatives. That includes replacing production equipment and upgrading air conditioning and heating systems.
In 2023, 74% of new business in GKN’s Driveline and ePowertrain products came from EV platforms. Furthermore, 87% of the company’s R&D budget focused on decarbonisation products, far exceeding the 50% target. As a result, the company has increased its R&D target to 90% for 2024.
Renewable energy was a key focus area. The company increased its consumption of certified renewable electricity to 10%, up from 7% in 2022. This included securing 100% renewable electricity for three sites in Europe.
Dr. Clare Wyatt, Chief People, Communications & Sustainability Officer,
“We have spent the last three years carving out a clear pathway to meet our targets and embedding this strategy across our global operations, so I’m delighted to see the progress we’ve made across our targets in 2023. We’re still in the early stages of our sustainability journey and have much more to accomplish, but I’m confident in the continued progress we can make together with our employees, suppliers and customers.”
Other notable achievements in the report include the launch of a new charitable giving framework and the rollout of a Supplier Assurance questionnaire to assess suppliers on ESG performance.
GKN Automotive’s milestones are indicative of the wider industry trends. It’s a two-pronged benefit. Consumers are becoming more aware of the sustainability behind their decisions, see Volvo’s upcoming battery passport. Furthermore, following the implementation of new technologies, the sites become cheaper to run in the long-term. Sustainability is quickly equating to profitability.
