New partnership sets environmental standard in automotive industry

6 July 2007

Climate Positive and Mercedes Car Group have forged a partnership to raise climate change awareness and reduce the carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with new car sales.

Climate Positive is a not-for-profit organisation which works with businesses and households to educate, reduce CO2 emissions, provide accredited carbon offsets and inspire action.

As part of this significant partnership, Mercedes-Benz is providing customers with a complimentary Climate Positive offset for the first six months of vehicle ownership for all new Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach vehicles sold in Australia.

Climate Positive offsets 100% of these emissions in real time with accredited emission reductions, independently verified to reduce emissions. In addition, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, Climate Positive goes a step beyond carbon neutrality by planting indigenous trees to absorb more greenhouse gases over time.

So far this year, Mercedes-Benz has offset 4853 tonnes with accredited emission reductions and supported the restoration of 19,412 m2 of cleared lands in South Gippsland, which will absorb a further 1455.9 tonnes of CO2 over time.

Climate Positive Managing Director Brendan Condon said the partnership between Climate Positive, Mercedes and Mercedes' customers was a natural one.

"Climate Positive provides some of the highest quality carbon offsets available. We offer accredited offsets to achieve carbon neutrality and restore some of the most carbon-rich forest ecosystems in Australia, delivering climate, habitat and biodiversity benefits.

"We believe the Mercedes-Benz model of partnering with their customers enhances ownership of emissions and understanding of the problem of climate change."

Horst von Sanden, managing director for the Mercedes Car Group in Australia, said the partnership with Climate Positive is an important part of the new Carbon Zero initiative launched this week.

"It's not enough to just talk about the climate problem; we need to be active, engaged and find solutions. We value the Climate Positive approach which is focused on raising awareness, reducing emissions and providing accredited offsets.

"Our goals are simple: awareness and education. Whilst we continually work to minimise the environmental effect of the cars we build we're encouraging our customers to consider reducing the ecological impact generated in daily life.

Mercedes-Benz will invite its customers to use the Climate Positive customised carbon calculator to continue offsetting their emissions beyond the initial six-month period.

"Naturally, we welcome the wider automotive industry to join this challenge, ensuring high-level accredited carbon offsets are part of their plans, as well."

Carbon Zero is a Mercedes Car Group initiative which highlights the company's ongoing global commitment to environmental sustainability, from research and development through to vehicle ownership.

Further details: www.mercedes-benz.com.au/carbonzero