Ford's Dagenham Plant Earns Award for Environmental Performance and Innovation

Dagenham Engine Plant has been a leader in green manufacturing since it was built in 2004. In 2007, the Dagenham facility was recognized for this leadership by receiving a national "Award for Excellence" from a UK organization called Business in the Community. Dagenham was singled out for its comprehensive environmental efforts, including reducing CO2 emissions through the use of renewable wind energy, facility energy-efficiency improvements, a fuel-efficient product lineup, reducing waste and using green materials.

Dagenham is completely powered by renewable energy. It uses two on-site wind turbines to produce 3.6 megawatts of power. By using these wind turbines, Dagenham eliminates approximately 6,500 metric tons of CO2 per year. In 2007, Dagenham added a third wind turbine to remain 100 percent wind powered following the installation of a new 1.4/1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi engine line. The third Ecotricity turbine has the capacity to produce 1.8 megawatts of green electricity – the equivalent of powering 1,000 homes.

Dagenham was also recognized for leadership in energy efficiency. Gas and electricity bills were reduced by 12 percent through energy-efficiency actions such as optimizing energy-intensive operations. For example, compressed air for handheld tools was scientifically optimized to use 70 percent less energy per engine versus other manufacturing lines.

Dagenham has also prevented more than 12,600 metric tons of waste being sent to landfills for disposal, via waste reduction and increased recycling. For example, metal filings and other waste from the machining process are squeezed dry of lubricants and sold as briquettes for recycling. In addition, 20,000 square meters of floor concrete removed to install new engine lines was reused in the flooring of the new production line.

In addition, Dagenham's manufacturing processes use green materials. For example, vehicles produced at Dagenham use green vegetable oil for metal working and other fluid actions, which reduces the use of oil and other lubricants. In addition, coolant consumption was reduced from 350,000 liters in 2003 to 204,000 liters last year.

Finally, the facility makes fuel-efficient engines that have been designed with the environment in mind. In addition to the Business in the Community Excellence Award, Dagenham also won the Business Commitment to the Environment Premier Award and Business in the Community's "Big Tick" awards in 2007 for the new fuel-efficient 1.4/1.6-liter engine line produced at Dagenham. The Big Tick awards are presented to companies that demonstrate the positive impact of their responsible business behavior. The Ford Fiesta models powered by these new 1.4- and 1.6-liter engines emit fewer than 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer.