Driving emissions down: how circularity and carbon accounting work together
At Oakdene Hollins, we spend a lot of time thinking about how businesses can reduce their environmental impact. We've found that two approaches work incredibly well together: the circular economy and carbon accounting.
Both are powerful on their own, but when combined, they give companies the tools and insight they need to cut carbon emissions in a smart, practical, and lasting way.
Let's take a closer look at how this works—and share some of the exciting things we've learned from our work with Allianz, the UK Vehicle Recyclers Association (VRA), SYNETIQ and the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA).
Why the circular economy matters for carbon reduction
The circular economy is all about getting more use out of the products and materials we already have, whether by reducing, reusing, repairing, repurposing, or
Remanufacturing.
The more we can extend the life of products, the less we rely on new resources, and the less waste we produce. And crucially, this also means we're generating fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. That's because making new things, especially in sectors like automotive and manufacturing, often comes with a significant carbon cost. Think of all the energy needed to extract raw materials, manufacture parts, and ship them worldwide.
By choosing to repair or reuse instead of replacing, companies can dramatically lower their carbon footprint.
Real-world proof: our work with Allianz, VRA and OARA
Two of our recent studies show just how impactful circular strategies can be. In the "Repair or Replace" study, led by Allianz SE and the Allianz Centre for Technology, we compared the carbon impact of repairing vehicle parts to replacing them. Building on that and input from SYNETIQ (the UK’s leading vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling specialist), the Vehicle Recyclers Association (VRA), asked us to dig even deeper in a study called "Repair, Reuse or Replace". This time, we analysed the emissions involved in repairing car parts versus replacing them with either a new or a used part.
The results were clear. For example, in the case of a front car door:
Repairing the door created the least emissions.
Reusing a salvaged door was better than replacing it with a new door, but worse than repairing it, which emitted 10% less GHGs.
Replacing it with a brand-new door produced over 200% more emissions than repairing it.
These studies also highlighted other important factors. For example, when using a reclaimed door, most emissions came from painting and curing, almost 80% in some cases. That shows just how much room there is to improve repair processes, such as using renewable energy in body shops.
Another Oakdene Hollins’ favourite is the study "Environmental benefits of green recycled parts in Ontario", commissioned by OARA. This study estimates the potential savings in Ontario from the reuse of car parts in 310 kt CO2e, supporting the business case for industry innovation and collaboration around the use of recycled automotive parts.
Carbon accounting: turning insights into action
If circularity is the "what" that helps cut emissions, carbon accounting is the "how" that enables you to track, prove and communicate it.
Carbon accounting is about measuring emissions across your business or value chain so you can understand your biggest impacts and the best opportunities to reduce them.
At Oakdene Hollins, we use carbon accounting to help businesses of all sizes make better decisions. It's not just about reporting—it's about empowering people with the information they need to take real, meaningful action. Our work with Allianz, VRA and OARA is an excellent example of this in practice. By providing precise, evidence-based carbon data, we've helped insurers, recyclers, repairers, and consumers understand the impact of their choices and move toward more sustainable practices.
Filling the gaps, driving change
At Oakdene Hollins, we're passionate about filling information gaps. Too often, companies want to do the right thing but lack the data to guide them. That's where we come in. We bring together expertise in the circular economy and carbon accounting to give businesses the clarity they need to make smart, sustainable decisions.
We're especially proud to work with partners like Allianz, SYNETIQ, the VRA, and OARA, who are helping to lead the way in greener vehicle repair. Their commitment to evidence, collaboration, and real-world solutions is making a genuine difference and inspiring others in the industry to follow their lead.
Looking ahead: a circular, low-carbon future
As industries evolve and electric vehicles become more common, the need for circular, low-emission solutions will only grow. The good news is that the tools, strategies, and data already exist to make it happen.
Circular economy practices can reduce emissions right now. Carbon accounting helps you measure and improve over time. They offer a clear path to a lower-carbon, more sustainable future.
If your business wants to reduce its carbon footprint, improve decision-making, or explore circular opportunities, we'd love to help. Let's work together to drive emissions down—one smarter choice at a time.