Throughout Copart’s global operations, we aim to reduce our environmental impact through the implementation of programmes and initiatives that reduce emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation.
In FY23, our global business enabled the avoidance of over 11 million metric tonnes of CO2e in automotive manufacturing emissions, by extending the lifecycle of vehicles and harvesting replacement ‘green’ parts.
Our main objective is to go beyond net zero by reducing all carbon emissions, implementing sustainable practices and energy efficiency waste reduction initiatives to contribute towards the preservation and improvement of the environment.
We’ve now established Copart UK’s ESG Committee, made up of senior leaders from across all areas of our business, who will be responsible for driving forward our Plan-Net-Zero and Copart Cares commitments.
Here in the UK, deliverables from our Plan-Net-Zero include:
- Commitment to science-based targets (currently in the process of verification with SBTI)
- ISO14001 & 45001 certification
- Waste recycling & LED lighting roll-out
- Gold level accredited Carbon Literate Organisation (and working towards Platinum!)
- Euro VI transporter fleet
- Supply chain engagement to identify suppliers targeting net zero
- Scope 3 reporting
- Bronze level EcoVadis accreditation
- Retained and preserved over 155 acres of green space across the UK
For us to successfully achieve a greener future, we’re encouraging our teammates and communities to join us on the journey and play an active role.
We’re in the process of rolling out a Sustainability Advocate programme across our business and we’re in the process of planning a Rewilding Tree-Planting Project to restore natural habitats and increase biodiversity at our Sandy Operation Centre.
We’ll be selecting appropriate tree species, preparing the planting sites, organising tree-planting and conducting maintenance to ensure tree survival and growth. We are aiming to plant around 1,500 trees and 400 shrubs on green space at this site.
And of course, the addition of The Green Parts Specialists (GPS) to the Copart family has further supported our commitment to operating, and promoting, environmentally conscious practices within the automotive industry.
Together we offer the UK’s largest inventory of quality assured green parts and deliver exceptional circular recycling services to the UK insurance and repair industry.
And, as our Green Parts Specialists teammates continue their integration into the business, commitment to environmental responsibility remains a key focus for us all.
Copart was recently presented with a trophy from The Carbon Literacy Project to officially mark our gold level CLO status, after officially achieving this milestone in December. It was fantastic to receive this trophy in recognition of our ongoing commitment.
With our GPS teammates having now joined our Carbon Literacy training programme, we now have over 50% of our people certified and are well on our way to achieving platinum.
And of course, the addition of GPS to the Copart Family brings with it a wealth of additional sustainability initiatives to join our overarching Plan-Net-Zero, including:
- Utilising waste cardboard from customers to shred into packaging material.
- Removing the use of all plastic packaging.
- Utilising mapping software and vehicle route optimisation tools to reduce miles driven during parts deliveries.
- Enhancing driving efficiencies with Bulk Transportation initiative, freighting large volumes of parts overnight in one truck to nationwide delivery hubs before distributing the parts locally.
- LED lighting and fuel recycling programmes.
Going forward, we’re determined to be the largest provider, and champion, of green parts in the UK. We are, of course, conscious of how important it is to implement environmentally responsible practices into our operations as this side of our business continues to grow.
Together with GPS, we’ll continue to identify ways to reduce our environmental impact and are working on a range of exciting sustainability projects which we look forward to sharing with you very soon.