Innovation Network Awards 2008

Clifford Thames Ltd and Cardiff Business School Centre for Automotive Industry Research

The initial contact for this project came from Clifford Thames, which was looking to raise its profile in the automotive industry and develop new business areas. Starting with a basic formula developed at Cardiff’s automotive research centre and the combination of Clifford Thames’ knowledge and resources, coupled with expertise from Cardiff University, a novel Environmental Rating System for Vehicles was developed and implemented.

This rating system uses publicly available information to provide data for life cycle environmental impacts of vehicles without having to acquire details of production processes etc, as would be necessary for a full life cycle analysis. This simple, transparent system provides more complete data than current emissions-focused techniques by covering the overall environmental impact of new cars from any source.

ERV has already been adopted as the preferred rating system by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association and interest in the System has been received from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The European automotive industry representative body has been approached with a view to ERV being used as part of its need to meet the EC’s proposed CO2 reduction legislation.

In addition to raising the company’s profile, this partnership brought benefits to CAIR and BRASS, including highlighting both Centres’ environmental work on the automotive sector. ERV is being used in MSc teaching modules and the unique methodology used is being written up with a view to academic publication.

Check out your vehicle’s environmental rating at www.clifford-thames.com/main.aspx?PageID=78