Tomorrow and Beyond
Bentley is creating a future driven by new technologies, materials, fuels and skills, in the pursuit of a progressive, new world: one in which the highest levels of luxury mobility are achieved with sustainable methods.
Our “Beyond100” strategy outlines how we plan to make this future a reality and, in turn, become the leading maker of luxury electric cars. It will see us build on the carbon-neutral status of our factory in Crewe by investing in a ‘Bentley Dream Factory’ with the intention of becoming climate neutral, end-to-end, from 2030.
As Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive Office of Bentley Motors, explains, “within a decade, Bentley will transform from a 100-year-old luxury car company to a new, sustainable, wholly ethical role model for luxury.”
RUNNING ON GREEN ENERGY
Nearly ten years ago, we began building what at the time would become the UK’s largest rooftop array of solar panels. A second phase followed, with more panels being mounted on the factory’s car port. Now, up to 40% of the factory’s electricity needs can be met with solar power alone – and the additional gas and electricity we buy in is certified green.
STOPPING AT NOTHING
As well as harnessing solar energy, we have looked at other ways to reduce our carbon footprint. To that end, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel has provided an ultra-low emission alternative to diesel for in-house logistics vehicles – an initiative that makes the factory the first luxury automotive plant to run all in-house operations on renewable fuels or green electricity. A 34,000 litre tank and pump are used to fuel the ten logistics HGVs that transfer parts between the factory and a storage depot ten miles away, as well as over 20 smaller on-site vehicles including fleet cars and Bentley’s iconic Heritage Collection. The fuel itself, known as Green D+, cuts tailpipe CO2 emissions by over 86%, while reducing nitrous oxide by up to 30% and particulates by up to 80%, in comparison to conventional fuel.
Another project, dubbed Power Down, demonstrates what can be achieved when everyone is prepared to make small changes to the way they work. Estimates suggest that switching off devices such as screens, fans, lights and chargers at the end of every day could save up to 700kw – roughly the same amount of energy it takes to power three average sized homes.
WE EVEN RECYCLE OUR WATER
Improvements in recycling mean that the small amount of factory waste that was going to landfill has fallen by more than 99%, to just 3.57 kg per vehicle last year. But that is not the only thing we recycle.
In our paint shop, we use reverse osmosis treatment units to ensure the water we use is pure enough to give every car a peerless finish. Yet for every three litres of water we use this way, only one litre goes into the paint. In response, we have installed recycling systems that capture that waste water, so we can put it to use elsewhere on the factory site.
As a result of initiatives like this – which also include improvements to our processes and rainwater roof collection – the amount of water we use in building our cars has fallen by 55.9% in the past ten years, from 21.1 cubic metres per vehicle to 9.31 cubic metres per vehicle. All in all, the reduction is equal to around 150 bathtubs of water per car.
GOING GREEN (LITERALLY)
To help improve biodiversity across the Bentley site, we have installed a green wall at the factory. The first of its kind in South Cheshire, it contains over 2,600 plants, spanning 28 different species of ferns, grasses and evergreens. Every plant was grown locally and is individually potted in the wall. To irrigate them without wasting water, a special automated system ensures they get exactly the right amount of hydration, all year round. In just one year, the wall is predicted to produce around 40 kg of oxygen, while also helping to filter out toxins and dust.
BENTLEY’S FLYING BEES
The green wall is not the only way we are boosting local biodiversity. There are now 600,000 British Apis Mellifera honeybees living in ten hives we have set up on the factory site, in an area in which we have also planted over a thousand wild flowers. With each hive capable of producing 15kg of honey, over 200 jars can be shared by colleagues and visitors every year – proof that we are helping the local ecosystem to thrive.
The Leather Working Group Welcomes Bentley Motors
Established in 2005, the Leather Working Group is comprised of leather manufacturers, traders, suppliers, technical experts, as well as brands and retailers, representing a range of industries from fashion, accessories and footwear, to homewares and interiors – and now, luxury automotive. Aiming to improve environmental performance in the leather industry, the Leather Working Group audits leather manufacturers against clear best practice benchmarks and stringent audit standards which are independently monitored.
Bentley is now a fully approved corporate member and is working towards ensuring that by the end of 2021, all of its leather is sourced from suppliers and tanneries that have successfully completed the Leather Working Group audit process, with the end goal of each one achieving the Leather Working Group’s gold standard award through a culture of continuous improvement
A DIGITAL SOLUTION
One important way to reduce Bentley’s environmental impact lies in reducing the amount of paper the business consumes. That’s why we have introduced a range of digital alternatives to what were once paper-heavy processes. As a result, paper use has already decreased by 50% since 2019 – and it is a process that is set to continue. In April 2021, we removed 25% of our printers, with a commitment to remove a further 30% by the end of the year.
A MEETING OF MINDS
Our commitment to a greener future extends beyond the boundaries of the Bentley organisation. It even encompasses our approach to choosing brand partners. A demonstration is Bentley’s partnership with the elite Scotch whisky distiller, The Macallan. As two of the world’s most iconic luxury brands, Bentley and The Macallan share a long-established tradition of craftsmanship, creativity and innovation – and they share a vision of a more sustainable future, too.
Beginning with the launch of the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid in the stunning landscape of The Macallan Estate in Scotland, we are now working together on numerous green initiatives. Among them is a drive to promote the use of sustainable materials and develop a community of artisan suppliers. The partnership will build on research already undertaken by both brands, covering responsible sourcing and packaging, both of which will prove fundamental in the creation of mutually curated products, experiences, and content.
Read more about The Macallan x Bentley partnership here.
THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC
Our journey into electrification is already well underway. Our latest steps forward include the launches of the new Bentayga Hybrid and the Flying Spur Hybrid – both of which combine Bentley’s signature performance and craftsmanship with future-facing technologies.
Explore our Hybrids range here.
The key to achieving our ambitious electrification programme will be our Five-in-Five plan, which commits Bentley to launching a new electric model each year, from 2025, and the first electric Bentley in 2025. This will redefine Bentley’s credentials as the benchmark manufacturer in sustainable luxury mobility.