Sustainability as corporate priority

Sustainability is rapidly becoming a major priority for the automotive industry. From longstanding brands to new start-ups, we’re seeing greater investment in electrification, in cleaner factory processes, even in developing new materials for vehicle manufacture.

But there are no templated, one-size-fits-all solutions. Every company creates a unique carbon footprint, producing different emissions in different ways depending on their processes. Some may need to find ways to cut back in manufacturing, transportation of their goods and services, or find more energy-efficient ways to maintain their offices. 

There are no templated solutions but programs exist to make major sustainability improvements quickly—and more profound improvements over time. 

We asked Ben Goers, Director of Quality here at Tweddle Group, about three significant strategies he’s used—managing quality and efficiency for an automotive supplier—to reduce Tweddle Group’s footprint and support clients in this move toward greater sustainability.

Sustainability Strategy #1 

Implement an Environmental Management System (EMS)

As outlined by the EPA, an “An Environmental Management System (EMS) helps an organization address its regulatory requirements in a systematic and cost-effective manner. This proactive approach can help reduce the risk of non-compliance and improve health and safety practices for employees and the public. An EMS can also help address non-regulated issues, such as energy conservation, and can promote stronger operational control and employee stewardship.” 

Establishing an Environmental Management System can be a crucial first step toward sustainability. The EMS serves as a comprehensive framework to identify, monitor and manage the environmental aspects of an operation. By integrating environmental considerations into business processes, orgs can reduce resource consumption, minimize waste and enhance clean factory efficiencies. 

“The key is being proactive about your impact on the environment,” says Goers. “We’ve implemented an Environmental Management System, and it’s about more than just regulatory alignment or ‘sustainability’. For us it’s part of a larger commitment to responsible business practices.” 

Goers says that sense of responsibility pays off in a surprising way. “Our system identifies and manages our environmental impact,” he says. “And yes, this reduces our carbon footprint. But, as a by-product, it really drives efficiency and innovation in all areas of our operation. It highlights areas where we’re being wasteful or inefficient, and then we can resolve those issues under the auspice of sustainability. It’s a win-win.” 

Sustainability Strategy #2 

Establish a Continuous Improvement Program

Recognizing that sustainability is an evolving journey, it behooves companies to initiate a Continuous Improvement Program. This program is designed to track and assess progress in real-time, helping organizations identify areas for improvement and implement targeted solutions. By fostering a culture of ongoing improvement, businesses can keep their sustainability commitment at the forefront of their business strategies. 

“We have a robust Continuous Improvement Program,” says Tweddle Group Quality Director Ben Goers. “We proactively track our sustainability initiatives, asking which areas offer meaningful opportunities for progress.”

While Goers again cites sustainability as the overarching goal, he says the pursuit of that goal creates a cycle of continuous improvement.

“We have a pretty robust Continuous Improvement Program,” he says. “We proactively track and assess our sustainability initiatives. We do this on a regular schedule. The question is always, where do we go next—what area offers the most meaningful opportunity for progress?” By fostering a culture of ongoing improvement, Goers says Tweddle Group’s sustainability commitment evolves dynamically and in response to overall conditions. 

Sustainability Strategy #3

Annual Participation in Third Party Audits

Transparency is key to accountability. By undergoing rigorous third-party audits—conducted by reputable organizations specializing in environmental performance evaluation—companies can check their commitment against legitimate, unbiased assessments of sustainability initiatives. It’s an excellent way for companies to measure their achievements, address challenges, and continuously refine strategies. 

“It’s easy enough to say, you know, we’re committed to sustainability,” says Goers. “My focus is on making sure we do the work. Companies need to hold themselves accountable, and they need to be transparent about it.” 

In the interest of transparency, Goers says, Tweddle Group participates in rigorous third-party audits conducted by reputable organizations. “It’s a way to validate our sustainability efforts. It shows us where we can improve. It’s important to take concrete action. It’s important to produce measurable results.” 

By adopting just these three strategies—in addition to their existing moves toward electrification—organizations can make huge strides toward greater sustainability and a much smaller carbon footprint. For more information, visit epa.gov.