Reducing carbon footprint and saving money with green parts

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】The UK motor industry is reducing its carbon footprint by reusing and recycling parts from end-of-life vehicles. This practice, known as using "green" parts, has contributed to an 11.2% decrease in the industry's production carbon footprint in 2021. However, the majority of car owners have not been given the option to use green parts for service or repair, despite their willingness to do so.

FutureCar Staff Sep 13, 2023 4:22 PM PT

Reducing carbon footprint and saving money with green parts

The motor industry is embracing sustainability and making efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Just like in other aspects of life, there is a moral obligation to reuse, recycle, and upcycle in order to minimize waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new products. In 2022, data from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) revealed that the UK automotive industry's production carbon footprint decreased by 11.2% in 2021 compared to the previous year, reaching its lowest level since records began in 1999.

A significant factor contributing to this reduction is the recovery of usable car parts from end-of-life vehicles. These parts are then reused as 'green' parts in service, maintenance, and repair (SMR) activities. When a car reaches the end of its life, it often still contains many perfectly safe and usable components. By extracting and repurposing these parts, the automotive industry can further reduce its carbon footprint.

Research conducted by Intelligent Motoring among car owners found that four out of five respondents would take advantage of recycled or reconditioned replacement parts. However, only 13% of them had been given the option of using green parts for a service or repair. This indicates a missed opportunity to promote sustainability in the industry.

The utilization of green parts can also help repairers overcome supply chain challenges. While waiting times for new car parts have improved in recent months, they can still be too long. Delays in obtaining necessary parts not only inconvenience customers but also result in longer vehicle downtime, costing both the customer and the SMR provider money. In contrast, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) green parts can cost up to 70% less than their brand-new counterparts.

As an industry, we are already making significant progress towards a more sustainable future. It is crucial to continue on this trajectory and ensure that everyone plays their part in creating a greener motoring industry. Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Intelligent Motoring, encourages the industry to embrace sustainability and work towards a greener future.