500th business receives Carbon Charter award

25 March 2024

A business near Sudbury has been presented with a special award for their carbon reduction and environmental work.

Assington Autos is the 500th local business to be presented with a Carbon Charter Award, from Suffolk County Council. They are one of the biggest ‘End of Life’ vehicle recycling centres in East Anglia, established in 2017 by Frederick Cook – although vehicles have been recycled at the same site for approximately 80 years.

The Carbon Charter is an accreditation for businesses who are committed to reducing their impact on the environment, by cutting their carbon emissions, supporting their local community and developing green spaces.

Frederick Cook, CEO of Assington Autos Ltd, said:

“We focus on how much of a vehicle can be repurposed and recycled, rather than simply being crushed and sold on.

“Vehicles are carefully stripped down, and we’re one of the first in the UK to use quieter lithium battery-powered disc cutters, rather than traditional fossil fuel powered machinery. Each component is inspected for re-use, and liquids such as oil and coolant are removed and dealt with, rather than being allowed to contaminate the natural environment.

“We’re proud of what we’re achieving to reduce our impacts on the environment, particularly being connected with the automobile industry which many might view as a significant contributor to carbon emissions. We’re delighted with the Carbon Charter award, as it shows we’re heading in the right direction and will hopefully inspire others.”

The panel from the Carbon Charter was particularly impressed that despite significant growth in the business, Assington Autos fuel usage has remained the same and has achieved an emissions reduction of 37% in the last two years.

Assington Autos was also praised for its biodiversity efforts onsite and in the wider community, as well as activity in the local community, supporting NHS workers, the local fire and rescue service, food banks and other local community groups.

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Environment, said:

“Assington Autos are doing great things and are an inspiration to other businesses about what can be achieved. Customers are now much more active in their search for suppliers which are reducing their impact on the environment.

“We know many businesses want to reduce emissions, and it can be really daunting to know where to start, particularly for small businesses. But the Carbon Charter is here to help businesses of all sizes, whether they are just starting out on their carbon reduction journey, or looking to refine what they do.”

The Carbon Charter was set up in 2010 by Suffolk County Council and the Environment Agency. Since then, it has given 738 Carbon Charter awards to 500 companies.

For businesses wanting to start on their carbon reduction journey, more information on the Carbon Charter can be found at www.carboncharter.org