The World Environment Center (WEC) has recently honored the Ford Motor Company with the 36th annual Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development.
Due to ongoing pandemic, the award was bestowed via a virtual presentation on December 15, 2020. Bob Holycross, the Chief Sustainability, Environment, and Safety officer at Ford, accepted the award on the Blue Oval’s behalf.
“It’s such an important time in the company’s history,” Holycross said. “Earlier this year, we announced our ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050. It is important to have ambition, but it’s also important to advocate for the right policies and to have the courage to take a stand when necessary. We know what’s good for the planet is good for our business. This award is an acknowledgement of our progress and an encouragement for us to do more.”
The first automaker ever to receive the prestigious award, Ford’s application was selected based on the manufacturer’s recent commitment to transforming its culture, industry-leading innovation, and meeting the targets outlined in the Paris Climate Accord.
Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell presented the award, saying in a recorded message:
“To my dear friend, Bill Ford, Jim Farley, and the entire Ford Motor Company and its employees, congratulations on this well-earned award and recognition. When it comes to existential threats like climate change, we need companies like Ford who aren’t afraid to lead and do what’s right. We need corporations that see sustainability not just as a moral imperative but an economic opportunity to shape our future. I am so honored to present the Gold Medal Award, from the World Environment Center to Bill Ford, Jim Farley, and the Ford Motor Company today.”
In acknowledging receipt of the WEC’s Gold Medal award, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley replied with a recorded message of his own.
“When you look at Ford’s sustainability story over the last 20 years, we have come a long way under Bill Ford’s leadership. He has truly been a pioneer in our industry on this issue, pushing us to do more to reduce our impact on the planet. As the only U.S. automaker to stand with the Paris Climate Agreement and with California to adopt more meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions, we are proud to lead the way in reducing our impact on the planet while still delivering great products for our customers.”
Ford’s commitment to environmental health and corporate sustainability has been plain to see in recent years. After all, the company has dumped approximately $11.5 billion of revenue into the development of electric vehicles alone, resulting in new and futuristic Ford models like the all-electric 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2021 Ford F-150, the first full-size pickup to offer a full hybrid powertrain.
To learn more about these vehicles and Ford’s direction for the future and how you can get your hands on one, don’t hesitate to contact Haldeman Ford in Hamilton online, by phone, or in person today!