Title:

Product Sustainability - An Automotive Perspective

Speaker:

Dr. David Berdish

Affiliation:

Ford Motor Company

When:

Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 11:15:00 AM   Add to Calendar

Where:

MRDC Building, Room 4211

Host:

Bert Bras
bert.bras@me.gatech.edu

Abstract

In this talk, an overview will be given of Ford Motor Company’s approach to reaching sustainable automotive products and mobility. Current technology innovation strategies are presented, as well as the processes and strategies to manage sustainability for the company’s products. The near and long term powertrain and fuel economy technology migration path will be discussed, as well as the role of weight reduction in the vehicle design process. Specific light weight and advanced material options being pursued are discussed, as well as their potential weight savings. These materials are part of a broader sustainable materials strategy that includes bio-based and recycled materials. Beyond these technical aspects, some of Ford’s efforts in addressing social issues related to sustainability will also be highlighted. Ford’s efforts and commitment to human rights is a key differentiator among its peers in the industry.

Biography

David Berdish is the Manager of Social Sustainability at Ford Motor Company. He has been at Ford since 1983 and has worked in Production, Program Management, Finance, and Organizational Learning. He received his BA (Labor Economics, American Poetry) from the University of Michigan and his MS (Labor Relations, Operations Research) from Virginia Commonwealth University.

David was the lead designer of and is responsible for the Ford Human Rights Code of Working Conditions, including assessment and compliance; identification of emerging issues (e.g., conflict minerals) and stakeholder engagement. He is also leading the development of the Ford Motor Company sustainable water strategy, including direct operations, supply chain, research, stakeholder engagement and community efforts. Finally, David is the program manager to understand urban markets, megacity mobility and non-traditional transport. David has worked with cities in the United States, South Africa, India and Brazil to integrate information technology, infrastructure, and the role of alternative and electric vehicles into sustainable mobility solutions.

David is a member of the Sustainable Mobility Accessibility Transformation Research (SMART) and working with the George Washington University on important global human rights issues and concerns. He is adjunct professor at the University of Michigan and on Advisory Boards at the University of Michigan Erb Institute and Sustainable Transportation Initiative in Richmond (Virginia). David has published several articles—the most recent were in The Financial Times and Green Biz Journal in February 2010.