Auto Trader Group plc sustainability score: 50/100

Auto Trader reports 9.9k tonnes CO₂e operational emissions in FY2025 (down from 14.2k in FY2024). GHG Protocol referenced but Scope 1/2 breakdown not separately published in accessible sources. No third-party verification confirmed. Annual reporting exists but lack of verified breakdown limits transparency.

Scope 3 dominates 93.2k tonnes group total. Methodology uses Environmentally Extended Input Output (EEIO) database for Category 1; methodology for use-of-sold-goods changed FY2024. No evidence of comprehensive supplier engagement, full 15-category Scope 3 mapping, or upstream supply chain transparency beyond spend-based approach.

Total group emissions fell 6% from 98.9k to 93.2k tonnes CO₂e (FY2024–FY2025); operational emissions fell 30% (14.2k to 9.9k). Absolute reduction demonstrated, but data series limited to two years in accessible sources. Scope 3 methodology changed FY2024, undermining multi-year comparison reliability.

No specific renewable electricity percentage confirmed for owned operations. Not listed in RE100. No PPA or on-site generation documented. Company primarily office-based (~1,267 employees, UK) with low energy intensity, but absence of certified green tariff or verified renewable commitment limits score.

No TNFD disclosure, deforestation-free commitment, or formal biodiversity policy found. Digital marketplace with minimal direct nature exposure; supply chain is IT hardware, office operations, and small vehicle leasing subsidiary (Autorama). Sustainability brand ratings introduced 2026, but no quantified nature footprint published.

Office-based, digital-primary business generates minimal physical waste. No formal circularity programme, waste metrics, or reduction targets published. Supplier Code of Conduct and Travel Policy present but no waste data, circular economy targets, or resource reporting evident.

No water consumption data, reduction targets, or stewardship programme found. Office-based digital marketplace with negligible process water use; no manufacturing or water-intensive operations. Score reflects inherently low water impact but absence of any published data or formal water policy.

SBTi near-term and long-term targets validated (Business Ambition for 1.5°C). Commits to net zero by 2040 across Scopes 1, 2, 3; halve emissions by 2030; minimum 90% reduction to meet SBTi definition. No heavy offset reliance evidenced, reduction-first approach confirmed.

Corporate Responsibility Committee at Board level (2021+), TCFD-aligned reporting, sustainability embedded in annual report 'Working Responsibly' section. Public ESG page maintained. No evidence of executive compensation linked to sustainability targets or mission-locked structure (B Corp, steward ownership).

Auto Trader dominates UK vehicle marketplace (75% engagement, 80% retailer participation, 449k daily listings). Primary transaction category is vehicles, majority ICE-powered. No upheld greenwashing rulings or credible NGO investigations found. As national-dominant used/new-car marketplace, classified materially complicit; no offset for EV promotion without fossil-sector service restriction.