Our net zero
commitment
Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced vs the amount removed from the atmosphere. We reach net zero when the amount we add is no more than the amount taken away.
The UK Government has a target to become net zero
by 2050. As a responsible business, we aim to achieve it
ahead of this: our near-term targets are to halve carbon
emissions before the end of 2030, before fully achieving
net zero across our entire value chain by 2040.
We have signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative (‘SBTi’) Business Ambition for 1.5°C. By doing so, we are committed to achieving net zero before 2050 and to reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals. Our goal at Auto Trader is to achieve net zero earlier than this and we are committing to achieving net zero across our entire value chain (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) by 2040 and every year thereafter. Our near and long-term targets have been validated by the SBTi, with our near-term targets forming a core component of our net zero strategy.
We have committed to:
How we’re taking action
To meet the SBTi’s definition of net zero, we need to reduce our emissions by at least 90% and then use carbon removal initiatives to neutralise any limited emissions that cannot yet be eliminated. It is therefore essential that we fully understand the source of our emissions and undertake targeted actions.
We have built on the work to understand our full Scope 3 emissions across all entities within the Group, in addition to our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, providing us with a better understanding of our carbon emissions throughout our value chain so that we can identify where we need to focus our efforts.
We have made further progress during the year to reduce our direct carbon footprint:
Addressing our Scope 3 emissions is a bigger challenge and something we have less control over. The make up of our carbon emissions is heavily weighted towards Scope 3, and within that purchased goods and services, business commuting, use of sold products and employee commuting are our major contributors. In order to meet our 1.5°C commitments and net zero ambition, we will undertake targeted actions. Within our Scope 3 emissions are emissions relating to the projected lifetime emissions of vehicles temporarily held on balance sheet by Autorama – we expect the volume of vehicles held on balance sheet to reduce over time. Another key focus area is on supplier engagement and working with our procurement team to understand the emissions of our suppliers so we can engage with them further on their sustainability plans. From a business travel perspective, we are reducing our fleet of vehicles and are aiming to switch any remaining business vehicles to EV or low emission. We are also encouraging rail travel over flying where possible for business travel.
The initiatives helping us
achieve our long-term targets
We monitor various metrics and targets to ensure we are on track
to achieve our aim of being net zero.
We want to minimise our impact on the environment, thereby protecting our business from the impact of climate change.
Our strategy is to put the brakes on carbon, not only across our own operations
and supply chain, but also using our capabilities and voice to influence the
automotive industry to support others in the transition to a low carbon
economy and take urgent action to tackle climate change.
As well as reducing our own emissions, we are also raising awareness with both
our customers and consumers. We continue to focus on sharing our data and
insights with retailers, the industry and Government to help inform public policy
and regulation to support the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
SOME OF THE ACTIONS WE'RE TAKING
Switch 100% of our fleet vehicles to be EV or low emission
Fully migrate all of our data centres to to the cloud
Reduce overall electricity use by 50% and procure 100% renewable energy for our remaining needs
Achieve a 50% reduction on our business travel emissions
Achieve a 50% reduction in commuting emissions
Require 50% of suppliers to have meaningful carbon reduction targets
Our total CO₂ emissions1
2024
2023
(base year)
2022
UK
Global
UK
Global
UK
Global
Scope 1
258
258
342
363
276
294
Scope 2 (location based)
205
205
297
310
368
385
Total (Scopes 1 and 2)
463
463
639
673
644
679
KwH (‘000s)
2,473
2,473
2,714
2,775
2,618
2,767
PG&S
22,949
19,537
23,562
Capital goods
2,262
498
794
Fuel & energy-related activities
74
133
196
Upstream transportation & distribution
-
72
115
Waste generated in operations
107
5
16
Business travel
1,041
365
63
Employee commuting & working from home
982
1,746
1,004
Upstream leased assets
-
129
106
Use of sold products2
70,643
56,323
102,807
End of life treatment of sold products
383
31
50
Investments
37
26
27
Scope 3 (total)
98,478
78,865
128,740
Total (Scopes 1, 2 and 3)
98,941
79,538
129,419
Revenue 3
£570.9m
£510.4m
£491.1m
Tonnes of CO2 equivalent per FTE 4
80.2
68.5
107.9
Tonnes of CO2 equivalent per £million turnover 3
173.3
155.8
263.5
Scope 2 (market based)
10
3
91
% renewable
95%
99%
76%
Supporting the automotive industry
Our aim is to support the industry in its transition towards the mass adoption of electric vehicles (‘EVs’).
Read MoreSupporting consumers
Our aim is to support consumers to make more environmentally friendly vehicle choices and to be the number one electric vehicle destination in the UK.
Read MoreTCFD reporting
We support the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) and its recommendations and are committed to assessing the impacts of climate risks and opportunities across our operations and supply chains.
Read More
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