WASHINGTON, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), a collaboration of global automakers and their suppliers committed to advancing environmental sustainability, has released a new guidance document titled Advancing Sustainability in the Built Environment: New Building Recommendations for Suppliers. This resource provides practical guidance to support sustainability in the design, construction, and operation of new manufacturing facilities across the automotive supply chain.

As the automotive industry continues to strive toward a sustainable future, the built environment remains a key area of opportunity to drive innovation and operational excellence. The new guidance document encourages suppliers to apply sustainability principles early in the planning process, adopt life cycle thinking, and implement strategies to reduce environmental impacts and support the well-being of building occupants.

“As automotive production footprints evolve and expand, suppliers have a powerful opportunity to shape a more sustainable future by integrating environmental considerations into new facility design and construction decisions,” said Kellen Mahoney, executive director, Suppliers Partnership for the Environment. “This document is intended to provide practical considerations and recommended practices to help companies deliver high-performing, future-ready buildings that reflect the industry’s sustainability aspirations.”

Developed through a collaborative process led by SP vehicle manufacturer members, the recommendations highlight best practice considerations across the facility planning and design process. The guidance addresses key focus areas such as energy and water efficiency, air and water quality, biodiversity, circularity, material selection, and indoor environmental quality. It also emphasizes stakeholder engagement, early planning, and alignment with leading green building certification systems.

SP extends sincere thanks to Ford Motor Company for its leadership in introducing this concept for consideration within the SP community, with special thanks to Toyota Motor North America and General Motors for their thoughtful contributions to the guidance document.

New Building Recommendations for Suppliers is intended to serve as an accessible reference for companies at various stages of their sustainability journey and complements SP’s broader work to advance environmental performance across the supply chain.

The full guidance document is available for download at no cost from SP’s website at https://www.supplierspartnership.org/new-building-guidance/.