As part of Nissan’s Green Program 2010, Nissan hopes to reduce 2010 carbon dioxide emissions from global manufacturing to 7 percent below 2005 levels. In order to make this goal a reality, Nissan is requesting environmental reports from every one of their Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers which must include the supplier’s carbon footprint. According to Automotive News, this will affect 500 Tier 1 suppliers in Japan, 300 in the United States and 300 in Europe, along with an uncounted number of Tier 2 suppliers. In addition, an “environmental representative” must be appointed as a liaison between Nissan and the supplier.
No word yet on just what Nissan will require from their suppliers or what will happen if a supplier cannot meet the guidelines, but this could mark an interesting shift in policy which other automakers may choose to adopt.
[Source: Automotive News – sub. req’d]