Sustainability
Sustainability at Aston Barclay: Driving Responsible Remarketing
At Aston Barclay, we understand that the automotive industry is at the centre of one of the most important transitions of our time. As an independent industry leader in trade car auctions, we are uniquely positioned to influence sustainable practices not only within our own operations, but across our supply chain.
Our commitment to sustainability is not a trend; is a core part of how we do business, and how we plan to grow into the future.
Our Sustainability Hub is where we share our long-term environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, showcasing our current initiatives, and providing insight into our journey to becoming a Net Zero business. Our goal is simple: to be the remarketing partner of choice for sustainable growth.
Building a Long-Term Strategy for a Greener Automotive Sector
As part of our long-term vision, we have developed a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the Aston Barclay Group.
This strategy will align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is being shaped through active engagement with our stakeholders - including employees, suppliers, trade buyers and vendors.
We have committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. To get there, we are focusing on accurately measuring our carbon footprint across the group, identifying priority areas for emission reductions, and investing in technologies and processes that will help us operate more efficiently. Our roadmap is rooted in transparency and real-world application.
Understanding Our Carbon Footprint: Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions
Our carbon footprint measurement is being carried out in partnership with Net Zero Group. We report our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions through the UK Government’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned sources such as company vehicles and heating systems, while Scope 2 focuses on indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
Recognising that most emissions occur beyond our direct control, we are also working to gather comprehensive Scope 3 data. These are emissions associated with activities such as employee commuting, business travel, supply chain distribution, waste disposal and even customer use of vehicles. In a business as operationally complex as ours (with vehicle movements, transport logistics, and multi-site operations) understanding Scope 3 emissions is essential to identifying where we can make the most impact.
Offsetting Emissions Through Responsible, Certified Projects
Where we are currently unable to eliminate emissions, we take action to offset them through high-integrity carbon offsetting programmes. Working with Net Zero Group, we use Verra-certified projects that support not just carbon removal, but also global biodiversity, habitat restoration, and community upliftment.
In 2022, we offset a significant volume of residual emissions by contributing to international offset projects, ensuring that even as we reduce our own impact, we are contributing to a wider net positive effect. These projects are selected for their rigour, verification, and alignment with our sustainability values.
Our Commitment to Accountability and Quality Through Certification
Across all five of our sites, Aston Barclay operates under a robust Integrated Management System that brings structure, consistency and accountability to our environmental and operational processes. We are independently certified for four internationally recognised ISO standards:
- ISO 14001 for environmental management
- ISO 9001 for quality management
- ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety
- ISO 27001 for information security management
These accreditations ensure that our sustainability commitments are not just promises, but part of how we manage risk, make decisions, and continuously improve our business.
Creating a Culture of Sustainability Within Our Teams
Aston Barclay’s sustainability journey is not driven solely from the top - it is built into the culture we are creating throughout our business. We know that real change happens when our colleagues are informed, engaged and empowered to make a difference.
We deliver environmental training across the group, including IMI Level 1 training to raise awareness of sustainability in automotive environments. In the coming year, we will extend this to targeted training for managers and team leaders to deepen understanding and drive behavioural change at every level of the organisation.
Our Carbon Calculator, developed in partnership with Net Zero Group, is one example of how we combine data gathering with employee engagement. This initiative collects data on how our colleagues travel to work, and helps identify the carbon footprint associated with commuting. At the same time, it educates staff on sustainable travel choices and encourages conscious behaviours.
We are also reintroducing our cycle to work and car share schemes to give employees alternative commuting options. These programmes are designed not only to reduce emissions, but also to make sustainable choices more accessible and practical for our people.
Minimising Environmental Impact Across Our Operations
As a trade car auction business, we move thousands of vehicles through our sites each year. Managing waste, water and energy use in an efficient and responsible way is central to our operations strategy.
We are standardising recycling practices across all sites and introducing additional waste streams for items such as metal, batteries, WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment), and hazardous materials. Our aim is to move steadily towards a Zero Waste to Landfill accreditation, making sure that waste is diverted responsibly and in line with circular economy principles.
On the water front, we are actively looking at how our sites consume water, especially in operational processes like valeting. Our Chelmsford site already features an automatic car wash that uses water recycling technology, helping us reduce overall water use while maintaining high-quality vehicle presentation standards.
In terms of energy, all Aston Barclay sites have transitioned to LED lighting for greater efficiency. We have also implemented smart timers and occupancy sensors on lighting, heating and power systems to ensure that energy use is minimised when buildings are not in use.
Building the Infrastructure for an Electric Future
The shift to electric vehicles is already reshaping the automotive sector, and as a remarketing leader, we are taking proactive steps to stay ahead.
We are expanding EV charging capacity across our network, with Wakefield and Donington among the first to offer visitor charging points. This is not only about providing convenience for EV drivers, but also ensuring that we have the capability to manage and sell increasing volumes of EVs through our auctions.
Our EV Hub, launched as part of this strategic initiative, offers trade buyers and sellers access to the insights, tools and support they need to confidently transact in an EV-led market.
Embedding ESG Principles Throughout the Business
Beyond environmental impact, we are building a business that creates positive outcomes for people and communities. Our ESG commitments include a focus on responsible supply chains, inclusive recruitment practices, and investment in apprenticeships and local employment.
We support local community initiatives, such as litter picking events around World Environment Day, and work with local suppliers wherever possible to reduce transport emissions and strengthen community ties. Recruiting locally allows us to support regional economies and reduce the environmental impact of long-distance commuting.
We also invest in young talent through apprenticeship programmes that provide real-world skills in a growing sector.
Logistics and Scope 3: Collaborating to Reduce Emissions
As a logistics-intensive business, we are focused on reducing emissions across our value chain. This includes working with our transport providers, customers and suppliers to understand where emissions are occurring and how we can influence them.
We are building internal capability to better analyse data, model emissions scenarios, and implement reduction strategies for our fleet and outsourced services. Accurate Scope 3 reporting will help us make informed decisions and support our partners in doing the same.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Vehicle Remarketing
Sustainability is not just a strategic objective; it is an operational reality at Aston Barclay. From how we train our teams and run our sites, to how we measure emissions and serve our customers, we are embedding environmental and social responsibility into every aspect of our business.
As the remarketing landscape continues to evolve, we are proud to be leading from the front. Our responsibility is clear: to build a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient automotive sector. Together with our partners, customers and colleagues, we will continue to innovate, collaborate and deliver on that promise.
If you’re interested in partnering with us, learning more about our initiatives, or contributing to our ESG journey, we’d love to hear from you.
