More than half of repairers have signed up to ARIES (Automotive Repair Industry Environmental Standard) since it was introduced in the summer.
The new standard has been designed to succeed PAS2060, which will cease at the end of this year.
Set up by the industry for the industry, ARIES will help the sector align with the SBTi framework and other international standards to meet sustainability targets and reduce carbon emissions in a simple, standardised and transparent way.
While not mandated, it is estimated that more than 51% of repairers have already signed up the standard.
Key benefits include:
- Environmental sustainability – setting measurable goals to work towards net zero targets, aligning with Insurer and vehicle manufacturer plans, via a documented carbon reduction strategy
- Profitability – reduced operating costs through sustainable practices, improving their financial resilience and long-term viability
- Future investment – insurer paid contribution (subject to approval) to invest in long-term environmental and workforce sustainability helping to futureproof bodyshops
- Credibility and compliance – demonstrate leadership in sustainability and consumer confidence through best practise
- Reputation and trust – improving brand awareness, reputation, customer experience and opportunity
ARIES Framework Guidance
The ARIES Framework Guidance is that any repairers who have not committed to ARIES should register via the portal and upload their Declaration of Commitment by 1 January.
Those who have already registered and submitted their Declaration of Commitment are now required to measure their baseline emissions and produce a verified Carbon Reduction Management Plan (CRMP) within 120 days of 1 January.
Repairers are encouraged to register as insurers supporting the ARIES standard are transitioning from PAS 2060 and payments are expected to cease for any repairer not transitioning.
The process is straightforward:
- Step1 – Register on the platform and upload your signed Declaration of Commitment by 31 December 2025. Only registered repairers can claim the ARIES fee.
- Step 2 – Either self-submission (create your own CRMP and secure verification from the recommended supplier list on the ARIES portal) or expert submission (appoint an auditor to create and verify a CRMP). Only those with verified CRMPs will be able to continue to receive ARIES fees.
- Step 3 – Annual measurement of carbon reduction against agreed targets and submission of Declaration of Achievement.
Standard approach
The ARIES Governance Group said: “We are now almost one year on from the inception of the ARIES Framework which was created to ensure the industry has a clear and consistent approach to carbon reduction, at a time when regulatory pressure, commercial expectations and consumer awareness are all increasing.
“While initial commitment has been strong, we are encouraging all repairers to act now and avoid being left behind. Please register if you haven’t and for those registered already the job is not yet done; we encourage you to move to the second step by uploading your CRMP as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the ARIES team will host an online meeting later this month to introduce everyone to the standard and walk repairers through their next steps.
