Ford is a leader in green building, committed to the sustainable design of its facilities and landscapes using the basic principles of resource effectiveness, lifecycle assessment, health, safety and environmental performance. We have developed partnerships to help educate and exchange information on the concepts of sustainable design with our professional service providers and employees and have provided training to them on site selection, water efficiency, energy-use reductions, sustainable materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
Ford is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and an active supporter of its green building rating system, LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Ford Rouge Center
Ford's largest green building initiative is the redevelopment of the 600-acre Ford Rouge Center in Dearborn, Michigan, into a state-of-the-art lean, flexible and sustainable manufacturing center. The focal point of the center, the Dearborn Truck Plant, boasts the world's largest living roof, at 10.4 acres. The Ford Rouge Center also features an extensive stormwater management system with bio-swales and porous pavement, significant use of daylight inside the plant, and the restoration of soils and natural areas.
Rouge Visitor Center (LEED – Gold)
The redeveloped Ford Rouge Center includes the LEED-Gold certified Rouge Visitor Center, a 30,000-square-foot facility featuring two multi-screen theaters and an observation deck. The facility uses rainwater for plumbing and irrigation, solar panels to produce energy and green screens to reduce energy use.
Fairlane Green (LEED – Gold)
Ford is developing a one-million-square-foot green retail center on its 243-acre industrial waste landfill in Allen Park, Michigan. Fairlane Green Phase I received the nation's first LEED-Gold certification for a core and shell retail development for its use of retention ponds for irrigation, sustainable landscaping, white roofs and preservation of natural areas. (See case study.)
Product Review Center (LEED – Silver)
Ford's Product Review Center in Dearborn showcases Ford's latest products and green building principles. The LEED-Silver-certified building incorporates an innovative system to recycle water for irrigation and cooling, large windows to maximize daylight, and extensive use of local and recycled materials.
Premier Automotive Group Headquarters (LEED – Certified)
The 240,000-square-foot North American headquarters for Ford's premium brands in Irvine, California, received Ford's first LEED certification in 2001. The building exceeds the state's energy conservation standard by 40 percent and includes a fuel cell, living roof, green screens and certified wildlife habitat.
Sustainable Landscapes
A highly visible example of Ford's commitment to sustainability can be seen on more than 100 acres of land throughout southeast Michigan adorned with sunflowers and wildflowers, providing vegetation and habitat for wildlife while reducing mowing and other maintenance costs.
