Ranking
Comparison
% EV Sales
Total Score
Total Score
Fossil Free & Environment
Human Rights
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Summary
GM was one of the strongest improvers on the fossil-free and environmentally sustainable indicators this year, achieving a score increase of 14% – largely due to improved disclosure of its upstream scope 3 emissions and to setting new targets on fossil-free steel and aluminum procurement through the First Movers Coalition. However, a lack of progress in tandem on human rights, where GM’s score is less than half of Ford’s, means that GM’s overall ranking remains unchanged this year.
Key Findings
- Disclosed its supply chain Scope 3 emissions this year, finally catching up with many of its competitors.
- Joined First Movers Coalition last year and accordingly commits to sourcing a portion of its steel and aluminum from near-zero emissions sources by 2030. Also signed a new agreement with U.S. Steel, who will provide the company with low-emission steel starting this year.
- Fossil-free and environmentally sustainable score brought down by inaction on the impacts of its battery supply chain, for which it scored just 8%.
- Achieved a mere 1% score increase on human rights, despite scoring just 25% on this area in 2023. Still has ample room for improvement with regards to human rights due diligence, in particular by introducing measures to prevent, account for and remedy human rights abuses in its supply chain.
- Is one of the few automakers with an explicit commitment to Indigenous Peoples’ right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent. However, disappointingly, is not taking action to ensure this commitment is realized with its investment in Lithium Americas and the Thacker Pass project.
Score Breakdown
Fossil-Free & Environmentally Sustainable Supply Chains
Human Rights & Responsible Resourcing
Supply Chain News & Progress
Latest on General Motors
Supply chain transformation is a risk management imperative and opportunity for a competitive edge. Leading brands are already securing a first-mover advantage and leveraging their power to transform legacy supply chains into a force for good. The revolution is underway.
GM criticized for not responding to Indigenous groups over FPIC concerns with Lithium Americas
A report released by Mighty Earth highlights GM’s $650 million investments in Lithium Americas Corp to help the company develop its Thacker Pass lithium mine project, which has proceeded without obtaining Indigenous Peoples’ rights and free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) and is widely opposed by the People of Red Mountain.
ArcelorMittal to supply recycled and renewably produced steel to General Motors
ArcelorMittal North America said on Tuesday the steelmaker will supply General Motors (GM.N) with recycled and renewably produced steel, which substantially lowers CO2 emissions.
Material will be supplied from ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton, Ontario and shipments are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2023, the company said. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Recycling and unionization in GM’s battery supply chain
In November 2022, GM and Cirba extended an agreement for the recycling “of lithium-ion batteries and cell scrap generated by manufacturing and research at select GM facilities through 2024.”
In December 2022, workers at a battery plant of GM supplier Ultium voted overwhelmingly in favor of union representation by the United Auto Workers Union.
Allegations of forced labour, workers’ rights violations and environmental degradation
According to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, GM’s supply chains have been implicated in forced labour, environmental damage and workers’ rights violations.
Our Vision
01 — Equitably
Respecting and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, workers, and local communities throughout the supply chain.
02 — Sustainably
Preserving and restoring environmental health and biodiversity across supply chains, while reducing primary resource demand through efficient resource use and increased recycled content.
03 — Fossil-free
100% electric and made with a fossil fuel-free supply chain.