Polestar CEO argues climate neutrality requires a rethink of traditional approach, innovation and exponential tech crucial to success
GOTHENBURG, Sweden – In Polestar’s first annual review and sustainability report, which was released today in accordance with GRI reporting standards, the Swedish electric performance car brand announced its goal to create the first truly climate-neutral car by 2030.
Environmental experts have warned the current vogue model of offsetting is not sustainable in the long run. Uncertainties regarding the long-term carbon storage capacity of forests and soils remain, as a forest might be logged, devastated by fire or altered by climate change.
“Offsetting is a cop-out,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “By pushing ourselves to create a completely climate-neutral car, we are forced to reach beyond what is possible today. We will have to question everything, innovate and look to exponential technologies as we design towards zero.”
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Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, Fredrika Klarén, says: “We’re electric, so we don’t have to worry about combustion engines producing toxic emissions – but that doesn’t mean our job is done. We will now work to eradicate all emissions stemming from production of our vehicles. Now is a historic and exciting time for car manufacturers, an opportunity to seize the moment, do better and dare to build the dream of climate-neutral, circular and beautiful cars.”
Climate action is already being incorporated throughout the Polestar business. As an example, company climate targets have been implemented as a formal corporate performance metric of the Polestar business.
Product Sustainability Declaration
Sustainability declarations, common in industries like food and fashion, will be applied to all future Polestar models. Starting with the Polestar 2, the brand’s electric fastback currently on sale, these will initially disclose carbon footprint and traced risk materials. The labeling will appear on the company website and in Polestar Spaces, setting a unique precedent of transparency for the industry. Additional details and information pertaining to sustainability updates will be added to the declarations over time.
Ingenlath added: “Consumers are a huge driving force in the shift to a sustainable economy. They need to be given the right tools to make informed and ethical decisions. This makes things very clear. Today, Polestar 2 leaves the factory gates with a carbon footprint. In 2030, we want to present a car that does not.”
