Our operations
Our strategic ambition is to minimise our impact on the environment, thereby protecting our business from the impact of climate change.
Our aim is to be net zero by 2040.
The UK has set itself ambitious targets to cut
greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions to net zero
by 2050. As a responsible business, Auto Trader
has a role to play in reaching this goal. We are
committed to reaching net zero in our own
operations 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.
Our aim is to be net zero by 2040. We will do this by:
We are taking action in our business operations, portfolio of services and policies to achieve our strategic ambition. Our aim is to embed a culture of sustainability across the business.
SCOPE 1 AND SCOPE 2 EMISSIONS
A key part of our environmental strategy has always been to reduce the emissions directly generated from our operations and facilities.
Over recent years we have been decreasing our Scope and Scope 2 emissions through various actions as set out in the table opposite and we continue with targeted action to further reduce our direct emissions.
SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS
One of our strategic objectives is to transition our value chain to net zero emissions, bringing suppliers on the journey and embedding sustainability within our procurement processes. We calculate all relevant Scope 3 emissions, including those relating to suppliers. We are improving our data quality, using activity data where possible (as opposed to spend data), and will continue to get enhanced data as we continue to measure our emissions.
We are taking action to address our Scope 3 emissions. With the majority of our total greenhouse gas emissions attributed to spend within our supply chain in our baseline year, engagement with our value chain is crucial to achieving our carbon reduction goals.
OUR POLICIES
Our policies provide a framework to guide employees, suppliers and other stakeholders in improving our environmental performance and reaching our climate ambitions:
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 putting the brakes on carbon, not only across our own operations
and supply cahin, but also by using our capabilitie and voice to influence the
automotive and technology industries to support others in the transition
to a low carbon economy.
As well as reducing our own emissions, our strategy also focuses on raising
environmental awareness with both our customers and consumers, encouraging
them to reduce their own environmental impact. We use our breadth of expertise,
data and market insight to accelerate the transition to low carbon transport.
Another key part is sharing our data and insights with 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 the cloud
Reduce overall electricity use by 50% and procure 100% renewable energy for our remaining needs
Review our travel policies with the aim of reducing business travel emissions
Gathering supplier data and adapting procurement processes
Our total CO₂ emissions1
2025
2024
UK
Global
UK
Global
Scope 1
116
116
258
258
Scope 2 (location based)
204
204
205
205
Total (Scopes 1 and 2)
320
320
463
463
KwH (‘000s)
1,277
1,277
1,448
1,448
Purchased goods and services
19,457
22,949
Capital goods
1,375
2,262
Fuel & energy-related activities
91
74
Upstream transportation & distribution
-
-
Waste generated in operations
100
107
Business travel
933
1,041
Employee commuting (inc. working from home)
725
982
Upstream leased assets
-
-
Use of sold products
69,950
70,643
End of life treatment of sold products
172
383
Investments
45
37
Scope 3 (total)
92,848
98,478
Total (Scopes 1, 2 and 3)
93,168
98,941
Group revenue
£601.1m
£570.9m
Tonnes of CO2 equivalent per FTE 2
73.5
80.2
Tonnes of CO2 equivalent per £million turnover
155.0
173.3
Scope 2 (market based)
0.1
10
% renewable
99%
95%
Auto Trader total emissions
9,903
14,169
Autorama total emissions
83,265
84,772
Scopes 1, 2 & 3 are reported in tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Based on average number of employees in the Group throughout the year 2025: 1,267 (2024: 1,233).
Partnering with our industries & influencing Government
Our aim is to influence the UK Government, and partner with and support the automotive and technology industries in their own transition towards a low carbon economy.
Read MoreSupporting consumers
Our aim is to support consumers to make more environmentally friendly vehicle choices.
Read MoreTCFD reporting
Climate change and how we are responding to the risks and opportunities that it poses are at the forefront of the minds of our investors, regulators and other stakeholders of our business.
Read More
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