Land Rover today announced the first projects in its industry leading CO2 Offset Programme, which enables both Land Rover and its customers to reduce greenhouse gases.

It is the largest and most comprehensive programme of its kind ever undertaken by an automotive manufacturer and offsets emissions generated by Land Rover production operations in Britain and the first 45,000 miles vehicle use by UK customers.

Customers of all new Land Rover vehicles sold in the UK pay to offset the CO2 emissions produced by their vehicle, calculated on the certified CO2 emissions level for each Land Rover model up to 45,000 miles, typically three years use. The cost is from £85 to £165 depending on model.

The ultimate goal is CO2 neutrality with investments being made in renewable energy projects such as wind and solar, technology change and energy efficiency.

The first projects will include providing hydro-electric power to a remote area of Tajikistan and funding a wind farm in China. Together these projects will offset 150,000 tonnes of CO2 a year and bring social and environmental benefits to thousands of people. In addition, we are evaluating projects in Uganda, India, Turkey and the Dominican Republic. Details of these projects will be available once they are confirmed.

Phil Popham, Land Rover’s Managing Director, said, “We’re taking an integrated approach to help reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. We’ve cut emissions from our vehicles and are working on technologies, like hybrids, that will make even bigger reductions. These offset schemes will make a difference now and will be of real benefit to communities, the environment and wildlife.”

Projects
Tajikistan – Installation of two hydro electricity generators supplied by naturally formed lake.

After the Soviet era diesel supplies to the region became intermittent. For the past 15 years residents of the city of Khorog have suffered intermittent power supplies. This project brings a reliable source of power and light to the region. Customers in the city are now able to keep warm and cook without wood fuel for the first time in many years during which 70% of the region’s trees have been cut for firewood. In addition schools and the local hospital will have a reliable energy supply. This project will offset 50,000 tonnes of CO2 a year.

China – Wind Energy Hebei Province (250 km north of Beijing)
China is reputed to be commissioning a new coal fired power station every five days as the economy expands. Hebei province is one of the windiest in China and the project offsets nearly 100,000 tonnes of CO2 a year.

The CO2 Offset Programme is run by Climate Care and overseen by an independent Board of Governance. Other offset schemes will be announced in due course.