Author: Linda

We’re going green!

Here at GCVC we’re incredibly proud to announce that we are now carbon balancing out all miles driven as part of our 2022 Show. As members of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) we are excited to take part in their newly launched Carbon Capturing Scheme.

We are one of the first in the UK to take part in this scheme.

Why are we taking this step?

With the UK hosting COP26, in November 2021, public interest in tackling the climate crisis has increased and has highlighted the impact vehicle emissions have on the planet. The resolutions passed at COP26 lay a clear path to how governments will be turning our transport networks green and if we do not want to be left behind then our movement needs to show we are thinking eco and moving with the times.

As members of the historic vehicle movement we are incredibly conscious our vehicles often attract as much attention for their emissions as they do their looks. Taking part in a scheme like this allows us all to unite under a green banner and demonstrate to the outside world we’re a responsible community that cares about the planet. In the words of the FBHVC’s delivery partner, Tree-V, we’re here ‘to preserve the past, preserve the future’.

How does it work?

We’re taking part in a carbon capturing scheme. This means brand new trees will be planted right here in the UK which, over their lifetime, will absorb (called sequestering) our vehicle’s emissions.

Why do trees absorb our carbon dioxide emissions? Trees need carbon dioxide to live and grow. Trees take in carbon dioxide through small pores in their leaves and combine it with H2O and sunlight, in a process known as photosynthesis. This process converts CO2 into sugar which can be used or stored by the tree as energy.

The storage of this sugar, as starch, in the sapwood layer of the tree, is how trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere. As long as the tree is never burned down, that carbon is permanently absorbed.

Working with the FBHVC and their delivery partners, Tree-V, we have calculated the cumulative carbon dioxide emissions created by our attendees and thus determined how many trees need to be planted to balance the CO2 out.

Our trees

Our trees are being planted in Tom’s Wood in North Yorkshire. A wide variety of trees can be used for carbon capture, the FBHVC and Tree-V always make sure to use trees that are native to the area and that are best suited to the climate, soil time, rainfall and numerous other factors. Tom’s Wood will be made up of a mix of Alder, Birch, Wild Cherry, Goat Willow and Sycamore.

Did you know? New woodland brings a host of other benefits alongside capturing our emissions! Forests are also rich in fringe benefits, such as habitat for biodiversity, recreational space, flood mitigation, soil and water protection and cleaner air.

For more information and should you wish to sign your own vehicle please visit www.trees.fbhvc.co.uk