Environment | Reduce CO₂ emissions
Reducing CO₂ emissions across our operations

The Bridgestone Group is targeting a 35 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions per net sales from operations and products’ after-use by 2020. In 2018, CO₂ emissions per net sales was 33 percent compared to 2005.

We are also considering establishing new CO₂ emissions reduction targets after 2020.

Bridgestone’s CO₂ emissions are verified by Lloyds Register Quality Assurance, a third-party institution, to ensure the accuracy and transparency of this information.

*Rates of reduction per unit of sales in comparison to 2005

Manufacturing volumes will grow in response to demand, yet we continue to reduce the indexed amount of energy consumed to achieve CO₂ reduction goals. Since 2009, Bridgestone Technical Centers have proactively conducted energy surveys to try and identify energy loss for improvement at plant facilities. We are continuously developing the ability of our personnel to recognize and implement energy-saving opportunities, and proficient staff are able to earn the distinction of becoming an energy diagnosis technician. Energy diagnosis technicians have already been assigned to every tire plant in Japan, and we will continue to increase technician numbers throughout Asia, the Americas and Europe.

The Wilson Plant operated by Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) was the world’s first tire plant to acquire ISO 50001 certification, an international standard for energy management. The plant transitioned its energy from oil to natural gas, which emits less CO₂, scrapped inoperable equipment, reduced energy loss, installed efficient and energy-saving light fixtures, and committed to ongoing initiatives to implement sustainable manufacturing activities. The Wilson Plant operated by Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (BATO) was the world’s first tire plant to acquire ISO 50001 certification, an international standard for energy management. The Wilson Plant transitioned from oil to the use of natural gas, which emits less CO₂, scrapped inoperable equipment, reduced energy loss, installed efficient and energy-saving light fixtures, and is engaged in ongoing initiatives aimed at sustainable manufacturing activities.

In May 2015, Bridgestone Europe Technical Center in Italy was the first to acquire ISO 50001 certification in that country. In EMEA Region ISO 50001 certification have been obtained also by Poznan and Stargard (Poland), Bethune (France), Burgos and PSM (Spain) Plant. ISO 50001 certification was also acquired by Thai Bridgestone, Rangsit Plant, in January 2015, the TBSC Nong Khae Plant in June 2015, and Bridgestone China, Huizhou Plant, in April 2016.

Identifying energy use as a major factor, we strive to improve energy management by defining effective measures, establishing objectives, promoting awareness among employees, improving the skills of technicians involved with equipment and engaging in initiatives including the creation of specialized teams related to energy conservation.

Three Bridgestone Group tire manufacturing facilities (Bilbao, Puente San Miguel and Burgos) and one tire cord facility (Usansolo), all in Spain, sourced 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources in 2018.

In 2018, the Bridgestone Americas headquarters tower in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED^®) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Many products used in the 48,588 square-meter, 31-story building helped secure the LEED certification. The roof system was manufactured by Firestone Building Products. Having all employees in one building also facilitates new ways of working, encourages collaboration and creates a more inclusive culture. This work was recognized with a Bridgestone Group Award in early 2019.