Abstract
This study addresses the escalating global concern regarding environmental deterioration caused by automobile emissions, which requires investigation practice of corporate environmental responsibilities (CER) of auto manufacturers. Chennai auto-industry major contributor to India's auto production, the research comprehensively examines the environmental impact of the entire automobile lifecycle, underscoring emissions like CO, CO2, NOx, SOx, HC, PM, Pb, and VOCs and its effects on human health and environment. Data analysis reveals notable CER practices, emphasizing cost-cutting, waste management, vehicle life extension, and adherence to emission control standards. The study evaluates the implementation of environmental management systems, green procurement, and manufacturing efficiency. The findings indicate a substantial level of CER among surveyed auto assemblers, driven by governmental regulations and market competition. It is concluded that establishing dedicated environmental departments, eco-awareness campaigns, and organized dismantling units.
TopIntroduction
Unfortunately, recent years have witnessed a rapid surge in worldwide industrialization, accompanied by a consequential deterioration of the environment (Yann Arthus et al., 2009). Industrial effluents have wreaked havoc on our surroundings, leading to severe pollution and ozone depletion, consequently impacting agricultural yields (Nemry et al., 2008). Environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, ozone depletion, and acid rain transcend national boundaries, encompassing air, water, and soil contamination. Contributing factors to this environmental crisis include population explosion, unplanned urbanization, rapid industrialization, scientific and technological advancements, and deforestation (Archana & Neeru, 2006).
The impact of environmental issues is not just limited to the environment but also has a profound human cost. Environmental causes contribute to an estimated 13 million deaths annually, with one-third occurring in developing countries alone (World Health Organization, WHO). The severity of this issue is starkly illustrated by the fact that major Southeast Asian cities are grappling with severe air pollution that claims approximately 7 million lives annually out of a total of 9 million in 2024. The situation is particularly dire in developing countries, where approximately 900 million people will be exposed to unhealthy levels of pollutants due to motor vehicle emissions (Faiz, 1993). A study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) reveals that 12% (Parul & Popli, 2010) of artificial Greenhouse Gas emissions (2.5 million metric tons) stem directly from vehicle usage on roads as per the 2024 record.
While vehicles emit relatively small quantities of Hydrocarbons (HCs) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during operation, significant emissions occur during the manufacturing process, particularly during painting (Santos et al., 2010; Alvarez et al., 2008). Groundwater pollution around auto components and assembling units compounds environmental concerns (R.N. Wahal, 2006). The Environmental Outlook Baseline (OECD) projects millions of premature deaths by 2050 due to particulate matter and indoor air pollution, with groundwater pollution posing comparatively lesser risks to human health. Motor vehicles have emerged as key contributors to the world's most pressing environmental issues (Sagar, 1995). Vehicle pollution escalates rapidly due to both the emissions per vehicle and the increasing number of cars per mile.