13 August 2024/inElectric Vehicle News, Kia News, Uncategorized/Grace Buchan

Kia Sustainability

Many may not realize the extent of Kia‘s dedication to global sustainability, encompassing their entire supply chain from design to disposal. Despite the automotive industry’s historical challenges with eco-friendliness, Kia has actively embraced a transformative journey. By reevaluating its role from a traditional manufacturer to a sustainable mobility solutions provider, Kia has set a new standard.

To reduce and mitigate their environmental impact, Kia focuses on two key areas: sustainable management and eco-friendly operations. These initiatives are monitored through audits conducted both internally and externally. In addition to environmental sustainability, Kia prioritises people and ethics, ensuring that their transition encompasses all aspects of corporate responsibility.

These efforts are not just rhetoric but tangible actions: Kia invests in renewable energy, aims for carbon neutrality by 2045, and innovates with initiatives like recycling ocean plastics into vehicle materials. Such initiatives exemplify Kia’s belief that sustainability and innovation can coexist.

Kia is making significant strides in various areas, including investing in renewable energy for their infrastructure and aiming to be carbon neutral by 2045. They are also introducing a range of electric vehicles, cleaning plastic out of the ocean, and recycling it for materials in their new vehicles, among many other initiatives. These actions demonstrate that Kia’s intentions are not just empty rhetoric; they are implementing tangible changes not merely to meet regulations but because they firmly believe it is the right thing to do.

“Under the vision of ‘Sustainable Mobility Solution Provider’, Kia is exploring ways to move forward together with various stakeholders and striving to continue our earnest steps toward a sustainable life for all amidst innovation and transformation. We are exploring ways to advance together with various stakeholders from a mid- to long-term perspective for healthy sustainability where everyone can benefit together while striving to continue our earnest steps for the sustainability of humanity and nature amidst innovation and transformation.” – Kia Worldwide

Kia Sustainability Management Policy

Kia has developed a comprehensive company policy with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles at its core. These principles guide the company’s actions and decisions, ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to business.

Below is a brief overview of some key components within the policy and the relative management:

Raw and subsidiary materials	Efficiency use of raw and subsidiary materials Re-use of production waste Inspection on raw and subsidiary material production site	Waste	Tracking waste disposal Improving waste recycling Waste recycling
Energy	Energy conservation Introduction of renewable energy Operation of an Energy Management System	Waste product	Provision of waste product recovery information Collection of waste products Recycling of waste products
Water	Water recycling Water Storage Inspection of potable water	Pollutants	Invest in pollution mitigation facilities Invest in new technologies Air pollutants Water pollutants Soil contaminants
Greenhouse gases	Reduction of business sites The Supply chain reduction Reduction of products and services Greenhouse gas/carbon management, reductions and off-setting	Hazardous materials	Identifying, mitigating, sharing
Greenhouse gases		The local community	The local community Engagement and inclusion Transparency

Kia Sustainability Achievements

Achieved certification for product carbon footprint certification
Achieved ‘Carbon Footprint’ certification and ‘Carbon Measurement’ label from the Carbon Trust for the first time in Korea

Application of eco-friendly materials in the product
Auto parts made with recycled plastic and bio-based, eco-friendly materials weigh about 34kg (EV9)

Zero hazardous chemical emissions
Upgraded hazardous chemical handling facilities in AutoLand in Korea and used alternative products

Issuance of green bonds
Issued about $700million in green bonds to invest in eco-friendly mobility

– Kia Worldwide

Replacing 100% of Production-based Electricity with Renewable Energy by 2040

RE100 is a global initiative that unites influential businesses committed to achieving 100% renewable electricity. As part of this initiative, Kia has pledged to power 100% of its global production bases with renewable energy by 2040. This commitment involves transforming their manufacturing environment to be eco-friendly and significantly reducing their carbon output. By setting this ambitious goal, Kia is leading the way in sustainability and contributing to a greener future.

Map of Kia’s production factories and their renewable energy goals – Kia Worldwide

Sustainability Accolades

For their efforts so far, Kia has been recognised with the following:

CDP (Climate Disclosure Project)

2022 Rating Climate Change A- / Water Security A

CDP Korea Awards
Climate Change – Carbon Management Sector Honors
Water Security – Award for excellence

Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI)

2023 DJSI World member for 2 consecutive years

ChosunBiz The ESG AWARDS

2023,The ESG AWARDS Grand Prize

Global Standard Management Awards (GSMA)

2023, GSMA Sustainability Sector Grand Prize (6 consecutive years)

Eco-friendly Materials

Kia aims to offer 14 BEV models by 2027 and is committed to creating vehicles suited to diverse lifestyles and budgets. This goal is to make electric vehicles accessible to a global audience. Beyond expanding their EV range, Kia focuses on sustainable production, implementing a 3-step action plan for the color, material, and finish of their new vehicles using eco-friendly materials.

For instance, Kia repurposes recycled materials to create items such as floor mats and seat coverings. In the EV6, these recycled materials include the equivalent of 107 500ml PET bottles. Additionally, all new vehicles incorporate Kia’s ‘10 Must-Have Items‘ made from eco-friendly materials.

Bio Plastic
PCM1 plastic
Bio PU
Bio PU Foam
Bio paint
BTX free paint
Recycled PET fabric
Recycled PET fishing net carpet
Recycled PET yarns
Recycled PET felt

Kia and The Ocean Cleanup

In addition to their extensive in-house sustainability efforts, Kia is also supporting and partnering with pro-sustainability organisations like The Ocean Cleanup. This initiative, the largest cleanup operation in history, aims to remove plastic waste from the world’s oceans and recycle that raw material for future vehicle production. Our blog provides an in-depth look at Kia’s collaboration with The Ocean Cleanup, exploring how this partnership aligns with Kia’s broader sustainability goals and the impact it’s making on preserving our planet’s marine ecosystems.

Kia’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond corporate obligation—it’s a transformative journey towards leading eco-friendly mobility solutions. From restructuring its supply chain with sustainable practices to pioneering initiatives like recycling ocean plastics for vehicle components, Kia demonstrates a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. By setting ambitious goals like achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and powering all global production bases with renewable energy, Kia not only aims to reduce its environmental footprint but also sets a new standard in the automotive industry. Collaborating with organisations such as The Ocean Cleanup, Kia actively contributes to global environmental conservation efforts, ensuring a cleaner and greener future. As they continue to innovate and embed sustainability across their operations, Kia remains committed to driving positive change for the planet.

More information:

worldwide.kia.com/int/sustainability

kia.co.nz/about-kia/committed-to-sustainability

worldwide.kia.com/int/company/sustainability

worldwide.kia.com/int/company/sustainability/eco/climate-change

Kia EV range Miles Kia

man and woman stand next to blue kia ev9 at sunset

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