Autotrader has introduced a sustainability rating to its editorial new car reviews.
The green ratings will follow the same convention currently found on Autotrader, with a maximum possible five stars, including half stars.
Erin Baker, Autotrader’s Editorial Director, said: “In a world in which consumers are becoming increasingly sustainability-conscious it’s vital the automotive industry can meet this demand for information and transparency.
“That’s why, as part of our ongoing commitment to help consumers make more environmentally friendly vehicle choices, we’ve created our new green ratings.
“Our scheme aims to be data-driven, transparent, fair and honest, whilst rooted in editorial expertise at both brand and model levels, based on Autotrader’s decades-long working relationships with car brands.”
So far, Polestar 4, Alpine A290, Dacia Spring Cargo, Nisan Leaf, Renault 4 and 5 have all received top marks.
Three of the five stars available (including half stars) are awarded at model level. A model may not get any stars if it is very energy inefficient, has high manufacturing emissions or little low-carbon material.
In contrast, another model could get three stars because it is electric, is manufactured using energy from renewables and has reduced its weight over an outgoing model.
The final two stars are determined at the brand level, based on how green the brand is in its strategy and actions, and how invested it is in reducing emissions from scope one to three.
Baker said: “Full marks doesn’t mean perfection in our green ratings; it signifies that a brand is doing everything it reasonably can in the current climate to mitigate its adverse impact on the planet.
“It’s about consistency between words and action, transparency and going beyond what is regulated.”
