GM Brings “Green” Plant Design to Brazil

General Motors Co. is applying many of its American "green" construction techniques to the engine plant it plans to open in Joinville, Brazil, by year-end.

Highlighting the special features will be what GM describes as the first solar energy system for any Brazilian auto industry facility. The solar array will generate enough power to light the plant's production operations and administrative offices and heat 4,000 gallons of water per year.

GM says the factory also will be the first automotive facility in Brazil to use a reverse-osmosis water recycling process. The company expects the system to turn 5.8 million gallons of waste water into drinkable tap water.

Other green measures include using rainwater to flush toilets, installing sensor-controlled faucets and deliberate use of recycled materials in the factory's construction.