Over the past 20 years, global climate change has become a significant issue generating public debate, media commentary, action by world governments and social media focus.  The ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions of vehicles used on our roads is coming under increasing scrutiny by legislators.

Driving an older vehicle generally means less fuel economy as new vehicles are more fuel efficient.  However, a new car generates a substantial ‘carbon footprint’ in its manufacture that can be equal to the CO₂ equivalent produced by its lifetime exhaust gas emissions.  Even electric vehicles have an inherent carbon footprint from their manufacture. 

A classic or historic vehicle’s carbon footprint from its original manufacture no longer has any relevance.  Further, our cherished historic vehicles tend to be driven or ridden far less than modern vehicles which are typically used every day for commuting and other purposes. 

One way in which the owners of classic and historic vehicles can ‘capture’ their greenhouse emissions is to make an annual donation to a reputable organisation that re-vegetates cleared land, thereby restoring native habitat and generating carbon offsets. 

The Council of Motoring Clubs of WA has accordingly partnered with Carbon Positive Australia, a Western Australian based charitable trust, to provide a simple and cost effective way for an annual carbon offset donation to be made.  From the table below, choose the relevant vehicle type and, if the assumptions of fuel economy and annual distance travelled are appropriate, the carbon offset donation amount is as shown.

If your vehicle usage characteristics vary substantially from these assumptions,
the Carbon Positive Australia website has a Carbon Calculator for a wide range of activities including vehicle use.

When you have determined the carbon offset donation for your vehicle, go to the Carbon Positive Australia Donate webpage and select ‘Other’.  You can then input the donation amount and provide your billing details – please put CMCWA in the ‘Company name’ box.  Payment can be made by credit card, bank transfer or PayPal and donations over $2 are tax deductable. 

Thank you for contributing to the future of classic and historic motoring and the well-being of our planet.