Enabling Autotrader to support targeted carbon removal projects

Autotrader's objectives were threefold. First, to develop a climate strategy that would evolve over time to support its 2040 net-zero target, focusing on carbon reduction initiatives rather than simply offsetting current emissions. Second, to explore how carbon removals could be combined with environmental projects in the local communities where the business operates. Third, to build meaningful relationships with high-quality project developers, particularly focusing on innovative UK-based technology removal projects aligned with the company's values and impact agenda.

A key goal was to start building a pipeline of good-quality, high-permanence carbon removals for Autotrader's future net-zero needs.

Phase 1 (2024 to 2030): Strategic climate contributions. Rather than offsetting emissions volume-for-volume, Autotrader would set a climate budget to fund high-impact projects. The approach focused on supporting promising project developers to build lasting relationships for future opportunities.

Phase 2 (2030 to 2040): Building net-zero inventory. Strategically support projects that could secure an SBTi-aligned pipeline of high-permanence carbon removal credits after 2040, including potential land restoration investments and early-stage removal project development.

Phase 3 (post-2040): Maintaining net-zero status. Focus would transition to monitoring existing investments and maintaining a pipeline of high-permanence removal credits annually.

Abatable then sourced, evaluated, and delivered three high-impact carbon removal projects for Autotrader to support: UNDO Carbon (enhanced rock weathering, initially spreading 1,839 tonnes of mineral-rich basalt rock on UK agricultural land to permanently remove approximately 340 tonnes of CO₂); O.C.O Technology (carbon capture via Accelerated Carbonation Technology); and Highland Carbon (reforestation of 100,000 native-species trees near Loch Ness).

Abatable's role encompassed strategic advisory, market intelligence, and project sourcing as part of its plan, source, and evaluate solutions offering. For sourcing, Abatable used its market expertise to source and evaluate nine UK technology-based removal developers against Autotrader's criteria. Abatable also provided guidance on communication approaches for disclosure of Autotrader's evolved climate strategy.

Results

• Strategic clarity – A pivot from volume-based offsetting to budget-based climate contributions, giving Autotrader independence from carbon market volatility.
• Three projects supported – UNDO Carbon (enhanced rock weathering), O.C.O Technology (mineralisation), and Highland Carbon (reforestation).
• UK focus – Positioned Autotrader at the forefront of UK-based carbon removal innovation.
• Net-zero roadmap – A clear roadmap through 2040 and beyond, with meaningful project developer partnerships.
• Confident communication – Equipped to communicate climate efforts with confidence, moving beyond simple carbon neutrality claims.
• Pipeline established – Early pipeline of high-permanence carbon removals for future net-zero compliance.