UK: Land Rover widens CO2 offset programme

Land Rover is giving more owners of its cars the opportunity to reduce their impact on the environment by widening its industry leading CO2 offset programme.

Customers driving pre-2007 model year cars or who exceed the 45,000 miles on 2007 model year vehicles will now be able to offset their emissions through 'Climate Care', a specialist CO2 offset provider. Climate Care will invest in a portfolio of projects that is fully transparent, independently assessed and effective. Customers will have the option to offset either 15,000 miles or 45,000 miles, which equates to approximately one or three years' use respectively. 

Using an online calculator developed for Land Rover customers, an offset figure is generated based on fuel type, number of cylinders, transmission type and the mileage to be offset. To do this Land Rover customers can visit www.climatecare.org.uk/landrover.

The scheme will complement the CO2 offset programme introduced last September on 2007 model year vehicles where the first 45,000 miles are offset as standard in the UK.

In addition to offsetting vehicle emissions, Land Rover also offsets the CO2 generated by production operations at its two manufacturing facilities in Britain.

Land Rover's main offset programme is overseen by an independent Board of Governance. Board members include the former government adviser and diplomat, Sir Crispin Tickell, one of the first people to raise awareness of climate change, and Dr Sally Uren, the director of the Business Programme at the sustainable development charity, Forum For The Future.

Land Rover's ultimate goal is CO2 neutrality with investments being made in renewable energy projects such as wind and hydro, technology change and energy efficiency.

Land Rover's CO2 Offset Programme is part of an integrated approach to reducing its impact on the environment. The company is developing new technologies, including hybrids, and its engineers are at the forefront of a £700m investment in future technology.

Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director, said, "Land Rover takes its responsibility to the environment seriously and demand for a voluntary offset scheme shows us owners share our commitment. This programme will enable them to make a difference now and will be of real benefit to communities, the environment and wildlife."

Mike Mason, the Chairman and founder of Climate Care Group, said, "This month the UK Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee recommended that all carbon intensive businesses should provide offset services. Land Rover has already risen to this challenge by launching the largest consumer offset scheme in the world last year, covering all new vehicles sold in the UK. The extension of this scheme to existing owners further demonstrates their leadership in the automotive sector."