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GKN Automotive Releases 2024 Sustainability Progress Report, Aiming For Net Zero By 2045
GKN Automotive has released its 2024 Sustainability Progress Report, highlighting significant advancements in its sustainability strategy. The company, a leader in drive systems, achieved a 30% reduction in direct CO2e emissions compared to the previous year. Its carbon reduction goals received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in January 2024.
Dr. Clare Wyatt, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer at GKN Automotive, emphasised the company's role in reducing environmental impact. "As the global leader in drive systems and trusted partner to 90% of the world’s global automotive manufacturers, we have a critical role in ensuring that we are reducing our environmental footprint," she stated.
The organisation's commitment extends to its employees and communities. It launched a global STEM programme benefiting over 1,000 children in Poland, Mexico, and India. This initiative aims to nurture future engineers through hands-on educational opportunities.
GKN Automotive's sustainability strategy is built on four pillars: Climate Action, Our Impact, Responsible Sourcing, and Our People. Under Climate Action, the company signed a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Recurrent Energy to cover 65% of its European electricity needs by 2026.
The company also developed net zero action plans for its top 20 sites based on greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of impact, 85% of research and development spending went towards decarbonising the sector. Additionally, £740,000 was donated to charitable causes in 2024.
Responsible Sourcing Initiatives
In Responsible Sourcing, GKN Automotive introduced a Supplier Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) platform in 2023. Now, 80% of direct material spending is covered by these assessments. Furthermore, 78% of steel procurement comes from electric arc furnaces.
The company aims for 95% of supplier spending with partners rated 'C' or above on SAQ. Half of supplier spending should have SBTi-accredited emission reduction targets. Additionally, it targets sourcing 90% of steel from electric arc furnaces.
Focus on Employee Development
GKN Automotive prioritises employee development with a low accident frequency rate of 0.1%. Nearly all eligible employees completed annual performance reviews last year. This underscores the company's dedication to ongoing employee growth and safety.
Tom Salisbury, Director of Sustainability at GKN Automotive, highlighted customer demand for improved sustainability across products and operations: "There is continuing demand from our customers to consistently improve the sustainability of our products."
Award Recognition and Future Goals
The company's efforts were recognised with an EcoVadis Gold rating in November 2024. This places GKN Automotive among the top 1% in the automotive category. The achievement builds on previous Silver and Bronze ratings from earlier years.
GKN Automotive continues to lead in drive system technologies while focusing on net zero goals and sustainability objectives related to people and communities worldwide. The company operates across 21 countries with around 24,000 employees as part of Dowlais Group plc.
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