Audi Reinforces Decarbonization Commitment in Wake of Earth Day

Audi México announced the introduction of innovative processes in its plant in Puebla as part of its decarbonization and resource-efficiency programs. The announcement comes a few months after the company announced a historic wage increase for workers at the plant in Puebla. 

The program aims to reduce Audi’s carbon footprint in Mexico, as the company ratifies sustainability actions across the world. Audi Group's Mission:Zero environmental program aims to enhance efforts to decarbonize its operations by 2025. These efforts include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the efficient use of resources and water and the protection of biodiversity, explained the company via a press release. 

“Audi México is a company that works with deep respect for our planet. At our plant in San José Chiapa, we produce the Audi Q5 with a clear focus: the reduction and efficient use of natural resources," says Tarek Mashhour, Executive President, Audi México. 

Audi seeks to transition to more sustainable production models and meet its energy demand through renewable sources. The company will seek to implement photovoltaic plants to provide electricity. Audi México already has an efficient waste management system, which allows for more than 90% its waste to be recycled or disposed adequately. 

In Puebla, Audi aims to reduce water consumption by over 50%. The company explained that innovative processes now allow to reduce water use, especially in the painting process of the Audi Q5 vehicles by replacing water with lime. Reverse osmosis has also allowed the company to reuse the water from its production processes. 

Audi México received the ISO 14001 standard for its correct environmental management, as well as the ISO 50001. The company highlighted that the certifications were obtained because of its good energy management and constant improvement of energy performance.

Audi’s also introduced the Carbioin project as part of its Go Green strategy. This program is working with the Integradora de Comunidades Indígenas y Campesinas de Oaxaca (ICICO) and will allow clients to purchase of carbon credits, which will benefit 12 indigenous and farming communities in Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur, coast and central valleys.

Audi Mexico and worker representatives recently agreed to a 9.4% salary raise for 2023, which represents the highest wage increase in the Mexican automotive industry history. “Talks were held between automaker Audi and the SITAUDI at the Federal Center for Conciliation and Labor Registration, managing to sign a 9.4% direct salary increase for this year. This prevented the outbreak of a strike scheduled for this Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the plant located in San Jose Chiapa, Puebla, where over 5,600 workers collaborate,” explained the government via a press release, as reported by MBN.