BMRA member, Assington Autos, is the 500th local business to be presented with the Gold Charter, a Carbon Charter Award, from Suffolk County Council.

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.

The Gold Charter is only awarded to organisations deemed to be exemplifying best practice in terms of demonstrating significant reductions in carbon emissions and championing the environmental agenda. The Carbon Charter is awarded to organisations that are monitoring and reducing their carbon emissions. It is intended to provide public recognition of this vital step to our shared goal of creating the greenest county. 

The panel was especially impressed with the fact that despite significant growth in Assington Autos’ business the fuel usage has remained the same and it has achieved an emissions reduction of 37.2% over the last two years. The panel also praised its activity in the local community supporting NHS workers, the local fire service, food banks and other local community groups.

Assington Autos is 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.

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.”

On awarding Assington Autos Ltd gold status, 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.