PLAYING OUR PART
How the classic movement is planning for a sustainable future
The drive to cut emissions has come under an even greater focus since the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, COP26, took place in Glasgow last month. Against such a backdrop and the associated moves to towards electric cars, restrictive emission zones and E10 fuel, owners of older, perceived higher-polluting motors could be forgiven for feeling vulnerable. However, the historic vehicle community is keen to do its bit not only to co-exist with a changing world, but to thrive as an example of sustainable living and preservation of our heritage.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has not helped the perception of old cars by stating in its literature that ageing cars are bogging down the battle against climate change. However, this was in reference to tired cars from Europe and Japan being sent to developing nations; in the UK, it’s important to note is that we aren’t a big part of the problem. Indeed, research from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) reveals that historic vehicle community only accounts for less 0.25 per cent of all the miles travelled on UK roads.
But that doesn’t mean that the community isn’t going to do its bit. One of the main advocates for a sustainable repair-based culture is the Association of Heritage Engineers, which launched its ‘Playing our Part’ initiative last week. In collaboration with its members, AoHE trade specialists and supporters, it aims to showcase the community’s already exceptional recycling, repurposing, restoring and repairing culture to a wider public audience, as well as encouraging the movement to be as green as it can be.
Those involved so far include tuning guru, IainTyrrell and Coventry MotoFest, plus AoHE members the Classic Project Shop, Classic Performance Engineering,The Classic Engine Workshop,TyreDox andVintageTyres.
DominicTaylor-Lane, founder and MD of the AoHE said: “As various political agendas move forward, I feel it wise that we set and control our own narrative rather than wait for any to be imposed and we certainly need to be both progressive and certainly not be seen as belligerent.”
“As the initiatives title suggests, it is about encouraging those within our community, owners and businesses, to make classic vehicles as efficient, safe and clean as they can be.That, on top of the data from the 2021 FBHVC survey detailing owner habits and spending (see fbhvc.co.uk), will I hope make a compelling case moving forward for our place in a new future.”
The message about making the sustainable merits of the community known to a wider audience is also being shared by FIVA, which has responded to the climate change and clean air concerns arising from COP26 by agreeing on a complementary new strategy at its annual General Assembly last November. As part of this, it says that work needs to be done to stimulate interest among the younger generation by looking at the best youthoriented projects around the world, as well as educating younger people about the ecofriendly nature of historic vehicles and their sustainable use of materials and resources. FIVA also says the importance of the movement and how it can help contribute to a sustainable future should be communicated to anyone who believes in the importance of history, culture and the human factor behind it.
It also suggests we should lobby at a local, national and international level to ensure historic vehicles can keep moving on public roads, and that organisations that champion cultural heritage work together to promote the value of the preservation of historic vehicles.
These steps could make all the difference in making sure our cultural heritage is protected even in a net-zero future and ensure we can continue to enjoy yesterday’s vehicles for years to come.