General Motors’ CSO Kristen Siemen’s Driving Mission: Zero Emissions, Zero Crashes, and Zero Congestion

GM has one of the most ambitious EV programs of any US car manufacturer. It aims to eliminate tailpipe emissions from its new U.S. light-duty vehicles by 2035.

At a recent conference, I had the pleasure of sitting down with GM’s CSO Kristen Siemen to learn more about GM’s sustainability ambitions and her leadership journey.

This interview is the first in a new “Deep Dive” series for ESG and Climate News subscribers. I enjoyed this conversation and hope you enjoy reading Kristen’s unique insights.

Can you reflect on how sustainability fits within GM's brand promise? How are your sustainability programs and communications received by your employees, customers, and investors?

Kristen: Sustainability is at the core of GM’s mission, and to me, sustainability is all about doing the right thing, and that’s what we set out to do every day as an integral part of our culture. To do the right thing for our employees, our communities, and the environment. This perfectly aligns with our brand vision of "zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion," we set in 2017.

This vision shapes all of our initiatives, including the ambitious goals of becoming carbon neutral in our global products and operations by 2040, as well as eliminating tailpipe emissions from new U.S. light-duty vehicles by 2035. Overall, GM’s sustainability efforts have received a great reception from our employees, who are also committed to doing the right thing. Our customers have appreciated that GM is moving with the times and delivering innovative, stylish, and environmentally friendly vehicles. Investors also recognize the long-term value proposition of sustainability initiatives, understanding that these efforts contribute to the company’s overall success and resilience.

Your career at GM and your background are not from the sustainability field. Can you walk through your origin story? How did you find yourself as CSO of GM, and how does your background inform your leadership of sustainability?

Kristen: The journey to becoming GM’s Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) spans 30 years, beginning with  degrees in electrical engineering and early roles at Chrysler before moving to GM.

Over the years, I gained extensive experience in various departments, including electrical, HVAC, validation and test labs, and global energy teams. This diverse background in product development, compliance, and certification provides a deep understanding of GM’s operations and the challenges of integrating sustainability into every aspect of the company. So even though when I was first offered the job, I asked why me? It quickly dawned on me that the technical expertise and comprehensive knowledge of GM’s internal processes uniquely position me to lead sustainability efforts effectively.

GM is a massive company with a big environmental footprint. Would it be appropriate to break the footprint into supply chain, operations, and product? If so, can you help us understand your progress and goals in each area?

Kristen: Yes, so Scope 3 is the vast majority of our emissions with the product usage stage of our vehicles accounting for 70% of GM's footprint. The transition to an all-electric future, supported by a decarbonized grid, is crucial for reducing this footprint. GM aims to offer a full portfolio of electric vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly but also desirable for customers to reduce this huge part of our footprint.

Our supply chain is also a huge contributor, and we work closely with suppliers to encourage them to adopt their own carbon-neutral goals and incorporate sustainability practices. This collaborative approach creates a snowball effect, promoting sustainable practices throughout the entire supply chain.

Although less than 1% of our total footprint comes from our operational impact, it is still significant due to the company's scale. Initiatives such as achieving 100% renewable energy sourcing in the U.S. by next year, improving water and energy efficiency, and reducing waste are all contributing to reducing our operational footprint.

There is a wave of new policies and standards affecting disclosure, supply chain, trade, and of course vehicle emissions. While companies are being required to do more and disclose more, the ESG backlash is heightening scrutiny and political sensitivity. How is the current policy and political landscape affecting GM?

Kristen: GM remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, viewing it as the right thing to do. Despite the increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressures, GM focuses on making tangible progress rather than making bold new announcements. The key is to understand the audience and adapt communication accordingly while maintaining a consistent message of commitment to long-term sustainability goals. The dynamic regulatory environment is challenging, but GM's approach is to stay true to its values and continue demonstrating progress.

With your extensive experience, you have observed the roller coaster of change in one direction or another – yet your product cycle is long, and your scale is massive. How does GM maintain a long-term focus in the face of all these short-term changes? How is sustainability managed by the C-suite and board at GM?

Kristen: GM remains committed to an electric future despite short-term market and regulatory fluctuations. The company’s long-term strategy is continuously monitored and adjusted based on factors such as infrastructure development and market demand. Sustainability is integrated into GM's culture, and every engineer considers it from the design stage all the way to the end of the vehicle's life. Progress towards sustainability goals is regularly reviewed with the C-suite and the board, ensuring that leadership remains aligned and focused on our long-term vision for sustainability.

Was there anything you wanted to discuss that we did not? Is there a particular product or program that you would like to highlight?

Kristen: I guess in closing, I would just like to highlight some of GM’s amazing products. I've been driving the Hummer EV SUV, and I think this vehicle really showcases the versatility, capability, and potential of electric vehicles. But it's hard to pick one EV from GM’s range, which includes the more luxury end Cadillac Lyric and the more affordable and practical Chevrolet Equinox and Silverado EVs for families and businesses. The diversity and innovation in GM's electric vehicle portfolio really highlight the company’s commitment to providing sustainable and desirable options for all customers.