How Corvette's Bowling Green Plant is Going Green (photos)
The iconic GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant, known for manufacturing the tire roasting, fire breathing Corvette, makes a concerted effort to environmentally friendly. Let's find out how they are making Bowling Green even more green!
1. Wildlife Habitat
The General Motors Bowling Green plant specializes in all things Corvette, but they have really gone the extra distance when it comes to having a sustainable footprint on the environment. They keep a wildlife habitat on their grounds spanning 75 acres, which hosts local scouts and school field trips many time each year. In addition to containing plenty of trees to help offset the pollutant effects inherent to mass assembly, it's become something of a destination in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
2. All-in-One Performance Build Center
Contrary to common thought, convenience and eco-friendliness can sometimes go hand in hand. In 2014, the Bowling Green Assembly Plan added the Performance Build Center, where a Corvette engine is built from start to finish by one technician. By moving this specialty line to Bowling Green, it eliminates the carbon footprint from having to ship parts from Point A to B.
3. Environmental Event Hosting
In a single year, the Bowling Green plant organized and hosted over 20 events dedicated to protecting the environment and other eco-based initiatives. Specifically, the Bowling Green plant tries to raise awareness about preserving the environment. From the corporate offices to the everyday factory personnel, it is immediately obvious that the Bowling Green plant wants to set an example for factories around the world. IF you want to convince the public that your company cares about the environment, the best place to start is by showing your employees and neighbors you care.
4. Environmental Upgrades
From the latest solar electric panels to their recently completed eco-friendly paint shop, it doesn't seem like management at Bowling Green Assembly makes a single decision without considering the planet. The fact that many green practices require an initial investment, but save money in the long run is just icing on the cake. Perhaps it's not-so-coincidental that this spirit of sustainability and the Bowling Green plant's continued growth have gone hand in hand.
5. An Example for Other Plants
When you've done as good a job as the Bowling Green plant have with their environmental aims, it has the effect of setting an example for others to follow. Proving to other assembly plants that these eco-friendly strategies pay off, in good will and actual savings, is all that's needed to get others on the bandwagon. Their amazing example is becoming a popular trend with other auto manufacturers, but it is funny that it all started with one of the cars most hated by environmentalists.
6. Recycling
Many of the Bowling Green plant's initiatives revolve around recycling, but we aren't just talking about scrap paper and soda cans. In 2013 alone, the plant recycled 2.3 million pounds of scrap metal while changing over to produce the C7. On this scale, however, you can rest assured that their dedication to sustainability is having a tangible impact.
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