Global power technology leader Cummins has pledged to take a leadership role in addressing the world’s climate challenges. PLANET 2050, the company’s environmental sustainability strategy, includes goals timed to 2030 to reduce carbon emissions from company plants and facilities in addition to its products.
Cummins’ first update on its progress toward those 2030 goals is included in the company’s 2021 Sustainability Progress Report unveiled in July 2022. “2021 was dominated by challenges demanding action, from Cummins and our stakeholders. It will take all of us working together to address these broad and systemic issues, and Cummins is committed to taking a leadership role in these efforts,” said outgoing chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger.
Just before the report was released, it was announced that Jennifer Rumsey transitions to the role of President and CEO, becoming the company’s first female CEO. Linebarger is to serve as chairman of the Board and Executive.
Linebarger notes that “climate change is the existential crisis of our time. Climate-related catastrophes present a growing threat to the communities where we do business and to our plants, facilities, supply chain and customers around the world. Climate change is also the greatest threat to achieving our mission of making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world. The decarbonisation of our economy is critical to our way of life, and our industry will play a key role in it.”
The journey to zero emissions is also a growth opportunity for Cummins. “We are confident in our ability to lead in bringing lower carbon technologies to commercial and industrial markets globally due to the unique capabilities Cummins has built over many years,” adds Linebarger.
Cummins’ strategy to lead in this endeavour is aligned with its sustainability goals. It has a history of being a leader in sustainability, and over the last 20 years has reduced NOx (nitrogen oxides) and particulate matter emissions from today’s engines by over 90%. This new chapter of innovating for low carbon technology is another opportunity for Cummins to deliver on its mission and provide solutions to its customers.
In 2021, Cummins took several steps to address climate change in critical parts of the economy:
- It announced a new 15-litre engine platform for heavy duty trucks that will begin with a natural gas version and later be available in a variety of fuels from diesel to hydrogen. This platform will offer leading power and performance while meeting more stringent emissions regulations.
- Cummins passed more than 2 000 fuel cells deployed and built a new fuel cell systems production facility in Herten, Germany.
- It exceeded 500 buses moving communities forward with its BEV (battery electric vehicle) technology.
- Cummins began work on what will be one of the world’s largest electrolyser production plants in Spain.
“What sets Cummins apart is that we are experts in using the power of difference to address tough issues – leveraging the capability of our leaders and the diverse perspectives of our teams to deliver the best solutions to customers around the world in a way that is customised to their culture, language and needs,” concludes Linebarger.
