Automotive Plants 2026: “Climate Neutral Production” — What’s Still Permitted?

BMW Leipzig, Audi Brussels, Mercedes Sindelfingen — many car manufacturers advertise individual plants as “climate neutral”. From 27 September 2026, this term will be subject to a per-se prohibition if based on offsetting. The question: what remains permissible?

What is problematic: “Climate neutral plant” through electricity compensation of industrial gases (CO₂ from steel smelting, aluminium die-casting). “Carbon neutral production” with bio-LNG for casting lines. Blanket “green plants” without a concrete Scope 1 balance.

What remains permissible: Genuine Scope 1 reduction: electrification of heat generation, H₂-DRI steel instead of blast furnace, photovoltaic roof systems replacing natural gas CHP plants. Scope 2 reduction: 100% green electricity with certificates of origin (GoO). Scope 3 insetting measures: supplier contracts for green steel, circular aluminium.

Reformulation examples: ❌ “Climate neutral BMW plant Leipzig” → ✓ “BMW plant Leipzig: Scope 1+2 emissions reduced by 84% since 2019 (base year 2019, GHG Protocol compliant, ISO-14064 verified)”. ❌ “Carbon neutral production” → ✓ “Production on SBTi-validated 1.5°C pathway: -42% CO₂ by 2030, 100% green electricity since 2024”.

Particular challenge: Scope 3 (supply chain + use phase). For a passenger car, 80-90% of emissions occur during the use phase. A “green plant” therefore says little about the climate balance of the overall product. Verbraucherzentrale (German Consumer Advice Centre) are increasingly taking legal action against advertising that suggests a “climate neutral plant” while concealing Scope 3.

Conclusion: Concrete plant balance instead of “climate neutral”, with Scope separation and third-party verification. Reduction pathway instead of status claim.