The environmental impact of vehicle manufacturing and distribution

The U.K.’s Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has estimated the amount of energy needed for building a car in the U.K. at 600 kg CO2. This 2005 figure is a reduction from the 1999 figure of 1,100 kg. Raw materials production adds 450 kg more for each vehicle.

Honda U.S. estimates its car at 810 kg CO2. At this point in time, there is no estimate from raw material impact. Kia also did a complete lifecycle analysis assessment on their upcoming mid-range Cadenza model. The model’s carbon footprint was measured from manufacturing to destruction points. The Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI) has certified the work. Their figures show that the Kia Cadenza’s raw materials cause 3.48 tons CO2 to be emitted with an extra 0.531 tons from the production, while 0.012 tons is generated during recycling. (50) These are small figures compared to the 25.5 tons CO2 emitted from the car with 75,000 miles (120,000 km) of driving.

REVA, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has achieved platinum level LEED 51 Green Building certification with their “state of the environment” production facility for vehicle construction. The facility uses solar energy, rainwater harvesting and CO2 monitoring resources. Keeping true to its objective, electric buses are used to transport their workers daily for work.

 REVA asserts their electric car’s carbon footprint will be considerably lower than that of other cars, for two reasons: their state of the art factory, and fewer parts used (80 percent). At the time of this writing, REVA was still in the process of establishing their vehicle’s exact carbon footprint; consequently, no definite figures had been released. They have stated that if it is impossible to lower any of their cars’ carbon footprints, they will utilize carbon offsetting designs.

International Shipping

Regardless of where your car was built, there is little impact on the environment in the shipping stage; whether down the road from where you are or in a factory all the way across the globe.  Distribution accounts for less than one percent of a car’s overall carbon footprint. (52) Therefore, international shipping has very little impact on the carbon footprint with regards to distribution. Rather, it is the car’s actual time on the road that contributes the biggest portion of its carbon footprint.