Bentley earns carbon-neutral certification (photo: courtesy Bentley)
Cover Bentley earns carbon-neutral certification (photo: courtesy Bentley)

Bentley earns carbon-neutral certification for his U.K. headquarters

With 100 per cent of its electricity sourced from renewable generation and a commitment to offer hybrid versions of all its models by 2023—as well as the planned launch of an electric vehicle by 2025—Bentley this week earned certification from the Carbon Trust to PAS 2060 Carbon Neutral standard, making its factory in Crewe, England, the U.K.'s first carbon-neutral luxury automotive factory. 

"While 2019 has marked Bentley’s centenary, our focus is now on preparing the business for the next 100 years," says Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hallmark in a statement. "We want to lead the way in the delivery of sustainable luxury mobility—by providing our customers with products and services that reflect their own values. We are very conscious of our responsibility to consider the environmental, social and economic impact of our organisation, and today’s news is just the latest stage in this journey."

Achieving 100 per cent carbon neutrality is the culmination of 20 years' planning and effort. Today, all electricity at the factory is generated by solar panels or is acquired from certified green sources. Ten-thousand solar panels, equipped with the capacity to power more than 1,750 homes, were installed at the factory in 2019—and, according to the company, "all emissions that cannot be eliminated are compensated with high quality offsets." These offset credits are certified by the Carbon Trust.

"The Carbon Trust is pleased to certify Bentley’s factory headquarters to PAS 2060, demonstrating its carbon neutrality," says John Newton, head of certification at the Carbon Trust, in a statement. "The initiatives that Bentley has undertaken to achieve this certification demonstrate the company’s commitment to becoming more sustainable."