Land Rover and Climate Care today announced what is the largest and most comprehensive CO₂ offset programme ever undertaken by an automotive manufacturer in the UK. In a pioneering step, Land Rover has chosen to source all offsets for the programme by investing solely in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The pilot scheme, which is scheduled to run until the end of 2008, is expected to offset over two million tonnes of CO₂.

The programme has two key components:

1. offsetting emissions generated by Land Rover vehicle assembly at its two production facilities in Britain and;
2. providing a mechanism for customers to offset emissions from the use of their vehicle.

From 2007 Model Year, customers of all new Land Rover vehicles sold in the UK will be able to pay to offset the CO₂ emissions from the first 45,000 miles of driving.

This programme is part of a multi-stage and ongoing approach by Land Rover to environmental care and sustainability. It follows the announcement by Ford that it is to spend at least £1 billion developing a range of global environmental technologies in the UK for its Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo brands - the largest commitment ever to the environment by a carmaker in the UK.

The comprehensive approach taken by the Ford Motor Company and Land Rover has impressed Climate Care's founder and director Mike Mason.

"Climate Care is pleased that Land Rover has taken this initiative to deal with emissions in the short term whilst stepping up their efforts to tackle the longer term challenges. We believe this is the first time a programme of such scope and vision has been launched, and we hope it sets a benchmark for others."

You can read more about Land Rover's CO₂ offsetting programme at the Land Rover website.