USED VEHICLES AND THE ENVIRONMENT; A Global Overview of Used Light Duty Vehicles: Flow, Scale and Regulation Update and Progress 2024

United Nations 2 years ago

This paper provides updated and new information on the export of used light-duty vehicles (LDVs) to the Global South by the four leading used vehicles exporters: European Union (EU), United States of America (USA), Japan, and Republic of Korea (ROK). As part of UNEP’s ongoing series on used vehicles, this paper builds on the 2020 report and 2021 update on “Used Vehicles and the Environment - A Global Overview on Used Light Duty Vehicles: Flows, Scale, and Regulation”, and includes: ‣ Updated used LDVs export data for the period 2015-2022 from the EU, USA, Japan and ROK. ‣ An update of the regulatory environment for used LDVs import for 146 countries, 122 of which are low-and-middle income countries (LMICs).   Previous Reports in this Series               Used Vehicles and the Environment (2021)                           Used Vehicles and the Environment (2020)
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layersDaily Sustainability Digest

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Financial institutions are accelerating sustainable construction by aligning lending with measurable environmental performance. Santander UK’s decision to adapt mortgage models for Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills homes integrates credit policy with energy-efficient buildings, translating net zero carbon ambitions into mainstream financial metrics. This shift signals the emergence of whole life carbon assessment as a determinant in property valuation and positions embodied carbon and life cycle cost analysis as standard tools of risk management across the sector.

Digital transformation is amplifying the movement. The Monklands digital hospital project in Scotland demonstrates how offsite manufacturing, lifecycle assessment and connected data platforms enhance building lifecycle performance, minimise waste, and verify embodied carbon in materials. Durham’s adoption of digital planning and assessment tools reflects a broader drive toward resource efficiency in construction and environmental sustainability in construction. Together these initiatives redefine sustainable building design by embedding whole life carbon accountability into design and delivery workflows.

Policy remains an enabling force but the centre of momentum is shifting from government mandates to operational proof. A renewed national emphasis on green affordability and the integration of social equity with decarbonising the built environment are reinforcing the transition toward net zero whole life carbon outcomes. These developments illustrate a maturing circular economy in construction where sustainable building practices, low carbon design and eco-design for buildings converge to deliver verifiable carbon footprint reduction. The industry’s direction is now measurable—kilograms of CO₂, minutes saved, resources reused—evidence that green construction is evolving from aspiration to tangible low carbon building performance.

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