As well as focusing on reducing exhaust pipe CO2 emissions, manufacturers have been working hard on reducing the emissions from manufacturing them too. The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders published its eighth annual sustainability report in October 2007. The UK Automotive Sector Sustainability Report shows the signatories reduced their overall CO2 emissions by 30 per cent and CO2 per vehicle produced in the UK, fell 41.7 per cent in five years. The full report can be downloaded free from www.smmt.co.uk/publications
The European Commission has published its directive on the next phase of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the UK motor industry is keen to reinforce its commitment to cutting carbon emissions.
'The British motor industry has an enviable record on carbon reduction performance - making significant reductions over the past five years - and it remains committed to continuous improvement. However, competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, in particular automotive companies, must be maintained,' said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. 'Tough trading conditions and fierce competition from manufacturing sites outside of the EU, means any additional costs imposed through a further carbon reduction scheme could impact heavily on industry.'
The SMMT points out that automotive manufacturers in the UK are already largely covered by the Climate Change Agreements which have helped focus boardroom eyes on energy efficiency and its role in carbon reduction.
SMMT hopes this latest EC Directive will offer the UK manufacturing industry some clarity on how the next stage of emissions trading will take shape. The automotive sector will continue to engage with Brussels and UK government to ensure the thriving automotive manufacturing sector remains a key contributor to the economy, while remaining a clear leader in providing sustainable solutions for climate change issues.
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