Ecomatters performed an LCA screening demonstrating the sustainability benefits of “green” automotive repairs. The Sustainable Repair Foundation (Stichting Duurzaam Repareren) wanted the study to take place as they are an organization that strives to identify the greenest and economically feasible auto-repair solutions. The screening was performed following the set of requirements of Stichting Duurzaam Repareren (Sustainable Repair Foundation).

Stichting Duurzaam Repareren is a non-profit organization that certifies sustainable businesses in the automotive industry. These businesses include tire companies, garages, body shops, and glass repairers. The organization is unique in that it relies on a sustainable Product Market Combination. This means that the customers — the leasing companies, fleet owners, and the ANWB (Dutch organization for traffic and tourism)– set the criteria that the repair companies have to meet on behalf of the private car owner.

In order to validate they were promoting the greenest, economically viable solutions, Stichting Duurzaam Repareren commissioned Ecomatters to quantify the environmental benefits of sustainable repair processes as compared to ‘business as usual’. Ecomatters performed an LCA screening in order to do so. The screening evaluated the entire value chain according to several scenarios. These scenarios included tire pressure adjustment, and UV and IR lacquering and drying as compared to using a spray booth. Also assessed were modern repair methods such as UZS versus traditional methods and bumper repair versus replacement. The study report (in Dutch) is available here.