Tenneco’s annual sustainability report outlines 2019 progress and goals for the future
October 2, 2020
Auto parts maker Tenneco Inc., headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, USA, has published its latest annual Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report. Covering operations during 2019, this is the first time that Tenneco has issued a report for its combined operations, including its acquired Federal-Mogul and Öhlins Racing businesses.
Tenneco reports that it continues to improve its Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, including key performance metrics, and evaluating Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and other reporting frameworks to drive long-term value. Along with these metrics, the company has committed to sharing best practices and employing continuous improvement initiatives across the business for maximum impact.
Brian Kesseler, Tenneco CEO, commented on the report, “As we continue to face challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tenneco remains committed to operating in a socially responsible, safe and sustainable manner, no matter the circumstances. Making tomorrow better is something we always strive for, and as our sustainability journey evolves, we need to continuously look at ways in which to improve while helping our team members, customers and communities build a better future.”
“Each and every Tenneco team member plays a part in making this possible,” he noted, “and we thank them for their continued dedication to making us a more sustainable and transparent organisation.”
In terms of environmental responsibility, Tenneco’s report stated that it manages its impact on the environment through waste, water, emissions and energy usage. The company reported that it had exceeded many of its goals this year, including achieving an approximately 19% reduction in energy usage. Since 2017, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity was said to have decreased 11%.
Tenneco also reported that it had continued to deliver technology and products “designed to enhance global mobility.” The company has thirty-five brands worldwide, fifteen of which have been in operation for over 100 years. In 2019, 92% of the company’s plants achieved certification for product quality management (IATF 16949 and ISO 9001); it plans to have more sites certified in future.
The report stated that the company’s focus on board refreshment has furthered its commitment to bringing additional skills and experience relevant to its strategy and operations. 33% of the Tenneco Board are said to have qualified as diverse based on gender or ethnicity as of July 2020. Women represent 24% of team members and 14% of leadership.
Reporting on its operating safety programmes, the company stated that its lost day case rate had decreased by 13% and its incident rate fell by 8%. In 2020, Tenneco is building upon its strategy to improve inclusion, diversity, and equity.
Tenneco further stated that its selection of vendors has had a positive impact and, since 2017, it has been consistently recognised by customers for developing a strong and diverse supply base. Working with a diverse supply base, Tenneco stated, “amplifies the impact of our beliefs and values regarding corporate responsibility.”
“Tenneco remains focused on its commitment to delivering quality products that drive advancements in global mobility solutions for cleaner, more efficient, comfortable and reliable performance,” added Kim Yapchai, Chief Compliance and Sustainability Officer, Tenneco. “We strive to have a positive impact on the communities in which we operate, and with this report, want to show how we hold ourselves accountable to those ideals. We look forward to continuing our journey to improve and better demonstrate our commitment to Make Tomorrow Better.”
