The annual Sustainability Report produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has revealed that UK automotive manufacturers have shrunk the carbon footprint of production to its lowest level on record.
The emissions per vehicle made last year by 2.8%, while at the same time producing a record-high proportion of electrified vehicles.
The savings were delivered in part by growth in green tariff energy use. At the same time, manufacturers themselves generated some 4.7% more renewable energy than last year thanks to continued investment in on-site green infrastructure.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Britain’s automotive industry is building record numbers of zero-emission vehicles while cutting its carbon footprint to a record low. This double success has been delivered thanks to huge investments from manufacturers to decarbonise both their facilities and vehicles. As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow at home and overseas, the UK can distinguish itself as a low-carbon manufacturing nation – but this depends on critical investment in gigafactories and the affordable, renewable energy needed to power them. The sector has made huge strides in recent years, but there is much more to be done.”
