General Motors Company, commonly known as GM, is a leading American automotive manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1908, GM has established itself as a pioneer in the automotive industry, with significant operations across North America, South America, and Asia. The company is renowned for its diverse range of vehicles, including electric and autonomous models, under well-known brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. GM has made notable strides in innovation, particularly in electric vehicle technology, positioning itself as a key player in the transition to sustainable transportation. With a commitment to quality and performance, GM continues to enhance its market position, achieving significant milestones in safety and environmental standards. As a cornerstone of the automotive sector, General Motors remains dedicated to shaping the future of mobility.
How does General Motors's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Motor Vehicle Manufacturing industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
General Motors's score of 54 is higher than 71% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2023, General Motors (GM) reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 2,700,000,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1 and 2, alongside significant Scope 3 emissions of about 241,000,000,000 kg CO2e from the use of sold products. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint, aiming for a 72% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 51% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2035, using 2018 as the baseline year. These targets are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are designed to support the global effort to limit temperature rise to well below 2°C. GM has also committed to achieving carbon neutrality across its global products and operations by 2040. This includes a pledge to meet 100% of its electricity needs with renewable energy by 2050. The company is actively working towards reducing its operational energy intensity by 35% by 2035 against a 2010 baseline. Overall, GM's climate commitments reflect a comprehensive approach to sustainability, focusing on significant reductions in emissions across all scopes while transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | - | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | - | - | 0,000,000,000 | - | - | - |
| Scope 2 | - | - | - | - | - | 0,000,000,000 | - | - | - |
| Scope 3 | - | 000,000,000,000 | 000,000,000,000 | 000,000,000,000 | 000,000,000,000 | 000,000,000,000 | 000,000,000,000 | 000,000,000,000 | 000,000,000,000 |
General Motors's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 8% last year and decreased by approximately 25% since 2016, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Nearly all of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing nearly all emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Use of Sold Products" representing nearly all of their reported Scope 3 footprint.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
General Motors has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about General Motors's sustainability data and climate commitments