New bid to future-proof classics
Heritage bodies to be accredited for lowering gas emissions
A new programme devised by the National Transport Trust (NTT) will highlight the environmental credentials of historic vehicle venues, events and specialists, ahead of requirements for all firms to be carbon neutral by 2050.
The Green Wheel Scheme is to rate organisations within the heritage sector in which the historic vehicle movement belongs; able to pool their resources online, successful bodies will be able to display a nationally recognised green plaque on their buildings and help each other achieve better ratings (between one and five stars).
NTT Trustee, Paul Brook, said: ‘ There is much debate about climate change, and in particular carbon reduction. On the face of it, Heritage Transport is, by its very nature, somewhat stuck in time and it is perhaps less easy for it to adapt to the carbon reduction and environmental challenge.
‘A broader knowledge of the challenges, and the totality of how they are being tackled, will assist greatly in ensuring that the Transport Heritage voice is heard in future policy- and decision-making. We want to be in a position where future generations can continue to experience and learn from our rich transport heritage.’
The move comes after a pledge from the Prime Minister that the UK will reach net zero in carbon emissions by 2050 and the UN’s climate change conference in Glasgow this month.
Director and founder of the Association of Heritage Engineers (AoHE), Dominic Taylor-Lane, was supportive of the new venture. He said: ‘Adapting to the future is key, planning rather than just reacting has to be the way forward. The Green Wheel Scheme is a welcome addition to the work we are all doing. AoHE continue to promote the relevance of the skills and crafts within heritage engineering and the opportunities they can provide within a sustainable future economy. The key is a collaborative and complementary effort.’ ] tinyurl.com/2ku8e4na