Whaley Bridge ARC declared first carbon negative bodyshop

Whaley Bridge Accident Repair Centre (WBARC) in Derbyshire has been recognised as the UK’s first carbon negative bodyshop.

Working with Carbon Neutral Repair (CNR) since 2020, WBARC became the first accident repair centre to achieve CNR’s carbon neutral status, in accordance with PAS2060 certification and following an extensive assessment of its operations and energy usage.

Now, four years later, WBARC has achieved carbon negative status ahead of schedule. This is not only critical to beating the climate crisis, but will also help protect jobs and create new opportunities for clean growth.

As a company, WBARC has always demonstrated a clear commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, including introducing innovative initiatives to offset carbon emissions such as investing in green technology, implementing sustainable practices and offering electric and hybrid vehicles to customers.

UK’s first carbon negative bodyshop

Director Phil Chopping said:

“As an industry, great efforts are being made to meet carbon efficiency targets and as a company I’m delighted that we have been recognised in exceeding our own ambitions. Being based in the Peak District acts as further motivation and we will continue our passion for our business, our customers and the environment supporting our local communities through our dedicated services.”

Dom Napier, founder of CNR, added:

“Carbon Neutral Repair is delighted to verify Whaley Bridge Accident Repair Centre (WBARC) as the first carbon negative bodyshop in the UK and globally.

“Phil and the team have really shaped the automotive claims industry’s focus on sustainability and Net Zero since becoming the first PAS2060 carbon neutral bodyshop in the middle of the global pandemic. In under four years, sustainability has become embedded in the industry and is at the forefront of all stakeholders dialogue, thinking and decision making.

“By offsetting 150% of the most recent carbon footprint calculated for the PAS2060, WBARC is verified to be carbon negative, again a world first. At CNR, we are proud to be working globally to assist all stakeholders in measuring GHG emissions so the industry can accelerate the decarbonisation of an auto claim.”

WBARC was certified as the world’s first PAS2060 Carbon Neutral bodyshop back in December 2020, measuring all 3 scopes in full. WBARC has subsequently retained the certification every year and is on track to be Net Zero by 2040, 10 years ahead of the UK backstop.

The automotive aftermarket’s response to the government’s Net Zero targets has been mixed, though most businesses have embraced the green initiative.