Why is it important our community keeps it green?
Many historic vehicle owners will point out, correctly, that the carbon footprint of their vehicle is low. Its manufacturing footprint has been spread over so many years and the footprint from its emissions each year is as low as the mileage it covers.
Let's not forget, however, as much as our pride and joy attracts lots of positive attention for its looks and the nostalgia it evokes, it can also attract attention for having what is perceived as a grubby old exhaust pipe! If we want to keep our beautiful machines relevant and responsible in the 21st century, we need to recognise how others view them and ensure they're as green as can be.
The last thing we want is for our vehicles to only exist to be wheeled out for a quick wash and polish or a short, once in a blue moon trip. Making our vehicles eco-friendly, and shouting about it, is a way we can secure the future of our community and to attract the next generation of enthusiasts.
Hosting COP26, in November (2021), has increased public interest in tackling the climate crisis and has highlighted the impact vehicle emissions have on the planet. The resolutions passed at COP26 lay a clear path to how governments will be turning our transport networks green and if we do not want to be left behind then our movement needs to show we are thinking eco and moving with the times.
What's the plan?
With this in mind working with Tree-V, the Federation has put together a simple to use, but highly effective, way for any historic vehicle owner to carbon capture their vehicle emissions and plant new woodland in the UK. For our movement to thrive in the coming years, have the freedoms we currently enjoy and to attract new enthusiasts we need to show we care about the planet as much as we care about our vehicles. This scheme is how we make that happen.
As you'd expect, the Federation's Carbon Capture programme embraces all historic vehicles including categories for cars, motorcycles, buses, coaches, lorries, light commercials, military, agricultural and steam vehicles.
“The National Traction Engine Trust (NTET) is pleased to affiliate with the FBHVC in its initiative to fund a Carbon Capture scheme in partnership with Tree-V. The NTET is looking forward developing a version of the scheme which will be amenable to its members”.
With this in mind the FBHVC has worked closely with Tree-V to tailor bespoke prices for their members, providing prices for all the vehicle categories in the FBHVC family, in bands that reflect each vehicle type's average usage. All thanks to the data from the recently published 2020/2021 National Historic Vehicle Survey.
To play your part all you need to do is select your vehicle type, how many miles you drive or ride and pay a small annual fee. We'll then arrange the planting of new woodland here in the UK to balance your emissions and send a sticker to display with pride. It really is that simple.
Why do it this way?
The FBHVC were keen to secure a partner who could provide a holistic solution covering individuals through to large clubs that delivered a project in the UK. Many capturing programmes available only cover 'cars' but the FBHVC are proud to look after all historic vehicles and a simple capturing service through the Federation's own website allows every individual to feel confident in their contributions to the initiative and the planet's future.
If we as a community embrace this opportunity, imagine what we can achieve by showcasing our passion for our vehicles to the greater community and future generations to come.
The FBHVC is happy to take the lead on behalf of the historic vehicle community and provide a green banner under which we can demonstrate how much we care about our planet as much as we do our vehicles. After researching a capturing solution for more than a year they discovered many of the solutions are global in scale. Laudable as these solutions are, they were left with the feeling that historic vehicle enthusiasts would enjoy a solution closer to home. And what could be better than planting new woodland within the UK?
Why Tree-V?
Tree-V are a company set up by a family of classic car enthusiasts. In fact they were inspired to set up Tree-V when buying Myrtle, the Morris Minor! They're passionate about the environment and driving in equal measure and are determined to provide a way for their fellow enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby, while remaining conscious of the environment.
Tom Worthington, co-founder of Tree-V said:
“We're incredibly indebted to the combustion engine and the way it has shaped the society we live in today. Therefore, we passionately believe that all our historic vehicles, regardless of their size, whether they are driven or ridden, should continue to be turning their wheels and racking up the miles. But let's make those miles green by offsetting and capturing those emissions!”
Commenting on the new partnership, David Whale, FBHVC Chairman said:
“This is a very exciting opportunity and with the support of our member clubs and historic vehicle enthusiasts it provides the perfect opportunity for the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs to demonstrate to the UK population that we embrace the environmental challenges ahead of us and are leading by example. To coincide with National Tree Week in late November/early December the Federation made an advance to enable 1,000 trees to be planted in Tom's Wood, near Castle Howard in Yorkshire.
This announcement marks more than 18 months of research to find a solution that we believe will appeal to all historic vehicle enthusiasts and I would like to acknowledge the support of Peter Spours on that journey. But let us be clear, we have adopted the planting of trees as a highly visible first step, we recognise carbon balancing solutions will evolve over time, the management of peatland is another option and there will be more! Please invest for the future in this new initiative.”
Whilst Tree-V provides the delivery of the scheme and an automotive lens to planting trees, the planting, validation and monitoring of the Federation's trees is delivered by Tree-V's tree planting partners, Forest Carbon.
Established in 2006, they've planted over 13 million trees and are certified by the Woodland Carbon Code - which is supported by the UK government and internationally recognised by ICROA (International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance). They make sure they plant the 'right tree in the right place' as required through adherence to the Forestry Commission standards. Think of Tree-V as the oily fingers and Forest Carbon as the green fingers.
And the final cherry on this partnership's carbon capture cake? With the FBHVC and Tree-V you can build a bespoke package to carbon capture one-off events from drive or ride outs to shows. You can make sure the miles of your participants or visitors are balanced to highlight your green credentials to your members and the communities you drive in! So, if you're in the process of organising an exciting 2022 calendar for your club, get in touch to see how you can make it even more special, thanks to an eco-twist.
All that remains is for you to enjoy having done your part for the planet as you hit the open road...
FAQs
What is Carbon Balancing?
Let's talk about carbon balancing. Whilst carbon offsetting is often the phrase we hear in the media, it is actually only one of the ways you can counter those emissions coming from your exhaust pipe. There is also carbon capture and between them, offsetting and capturing, give us our carbon balancing strategy.
So your first choice is do you want to carbon capture or carbon offset? Let's get our science nerd on and have a look at the difference:
Carbon Offsetting
Should you choose to carbon offset your emissions then you will be funding the protection and development of already established forestry. This means the carbon you are producing right now has already been balanced out by trees that would not be there, or continue to be there, without your intervention.
Carbon Capturing
Carbon capture is all about the future. Should you choose to carbon capture your emissions you will be investing in the development of new woodland. So whilst your emissions from this year aren't immediately captured, they will be over the lifetime of your trees.
How to get involved
To see how little it costs to carbon capture your emissions please click here to visit the shop.