Celebrating “Earth Week” in the GM way

April 24, 2026Newsletter Archives

We celebrated Earth Day at GM on Wednesday. But with all the news to share, it turned into more of an “Earth Week” celebration, I think. 

To kick us off, GM became the first U.S. automaker to reach its 100%-renewable energy goal. Huge news, which came from Cassandra Garber, our chief sustainability officer, who explained that managing energy usage isn’t just a checkbox to tick. It’s both a responsibility and a business necessity. With increased efficiency, everyone wins. 

The top-line figures are impressive: While reducing greenhouse gas emissions, GM added 1,500 construction jobs as it scales up renewable energy capacity — and saved enough energy to power nearly all occupied housing in Detroit, around 260,000 homes. 

But the good news wasn’t limited to GM’s in-house efforts. Check out Sam McEachern’s story on the ways GM can help fleet owners convert to EVs. GM’s Fleet Electrification Analysis tool has proved critical to companies like McKinstry. After switching out a chunk of their fleet for EVs, the building construction and maintenance company has seen meaningful savings in fuel and service costs.  

Another energy-efficient darling is back on dealer lots. That’s right, the Chevy Bolt is back! The Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas has been pumping out Bolts, which are just hitting dealer lots nationwide, stoking excitement among Bolt enthusiasts and the EV-curious. 

Why should you take a look? No EV priced under $30,000 has more range on a full charge¹, and the 2027 Bolt is America’s most affordable EV¹, period. 

A new Bolt in the driveway? Don’t tempt me. Then again, it’d be a great way to celebrate “Earth Week.”

Yours truly (and running entirely on renewable energy),

–Kyle Kinard, Managing Editor, GM News