As part of our Climate Positive Leasing Service, Each time we lease a car or van, we contribute to Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard carbon reduction projects to offset the carbon produced during the vehicle's manufacturing process. Additionally, for every electric vehicle leased, we plant 100 trees in the Lease Electric Forest, which helps remove approximately 30 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere for each tree.
Lease Electric has have funded various efforts aimed at renewable energy, deforestation prevention, wetland restoration, and communities around the world. To date, we have contributed to the planting of 26,544 trees and has invested in 51 projects, leading to the avoidance of 6,158.78 tonnes of CO2e. This is equivalent to 4,726 long haul flights (London to San Francisco).
March's Impact
Trees Funded
In March, Lease Electric funded the planting of trees in Kenya's Mau Region.
In Kenya, about 36% of the population lives below the poverty line. In the Mau Region, residents face challenges like limited access to water, poor road infrastructure, and insufficient education facilities. Deforestation since the 1970s, driven by agriculture and charcoal production, has caused land degradation and hydrological damage, exacerbated by recent droughts.
Located in the Mau Region, the Kass FM project includes six reforestation areas covering 5,700 hectares, owned by the local community. It implements an "employ-to-plant" strategy, providing income for local planters and nursery staff, which improves access to education, nutrition, and healthcare.
In March, Lease Electric continued to support this project, by funding planting of Maesopsis Eminii (Umbrella Tree), valued for shade, timber, edible oil, and medicinal bark.
Project Supported
In March, Lease Electric continued to support the two Verified Carbon Standard, projects we had chosen in February, Protection of the Matavén forest in eastern Colombia and avoiding methane emissions from Landfill in Brazil.
Colombia, known for its biodiversity, holds about 10% of the world's species, with the Vichada department facing challenges like deforestation. From 1990 to 2005, it lost 500,000 hectares of forest. The Matavén REDD+ project protects over 1.15 million hectares of tropical forest, preventing emissions and providing sustainable livelihoods for local farmers. Nearly 16,000 Indigenous people benefit from initiatives that include education, healthcare, and food security. The project, certified by Verra’s Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard, supports biodiversity conservation while benefiting the local community.
Find out more about this project
Brazil is the 5th largest waste producer globally, generating 79.9 million tonnes of municipal solid waste in 2015, equating to 1.071 kg per person daily. Most waste ends up in landfills, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
The Macaúbas Landfill Gas Project aims to capture and manage landfill gas emissions from the "Central de Tratamento de Resíduos Macaúbas" in Sabará, Minas Gerais. It involves installing systems for active landfill gas extraction, flaring, and electricity generation. Previously, gas was collected passively, necessitating further investment for enhanced collection and proper flaring.
The project has achieved emission reductions of 102,580 tCO₂e, preventing methane release and generating electricity for the grid, while also creating jobs for qualified operators.
2024 Impact
As we reach the conclusion of the 2024/2025 financial year, we have compiled a brief report highlighting the achievements of our Climate Positive Leasing Service over the past year. From April 2024 to April 2025, Lease Electric funded the planting of 8,672 trees and continued its support for various Verified Carbon Standard and Gold Standard carbon reduction initiatives. This effort resulted in the avoidance of 2,162 tonnes of CO2e, which is equivalent to 1,659 long-haul flights from London to San Francisco, preserving 6,486 m² of sea ice, or driving 6,163,992 miles in a petrol car.
Click here to visit the Lease Electric Forest to find out more about the Projects we support