Automotive Sustainability Report shows progress and problems
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has published its latest UK Automotive Sustainability Report.
The report reveals continued investment in sustainable production with the sector now producing enough onsite renewable energy to provided electricity to 32,000 homes for a year.
It further found that 36.5% of all industry’s electricity was supplied through green energy from the grid last year, while more than 93% of manufacturing waste was reused or recycled.
In total, 14,000 tonnes of CO2 have been taken out of the production of new vehicles in the UK.
However, cost remains a critical issue. Renewables generation helped manufacturers save £20m on their annual energy bills last year, but that figure was dwarfed by industrial electricity prices that are 115% higher than the European average.
Sustainability
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The UK automotive industry is investing significant amounts to try and remain competitive, innovating to decarbonise from well to wheel and creating greener factories for greener vehicles in every nation of the UK. But ambition alone cannot deliver sustainability at the pace needed.
“Manufacturers need faster connections, more low-carbon power and energy costs that are internationally competitive. With the right conditions, industry can go faster and further, delivering investment, jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation for generations to come.”
