Last month we introduced you to Land Rover’s groundbreaking Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – a new way to measure a vehicle’s environmental credentials and one which is recognised across the industry as the most stringent and transparent ever to be used.

LCA measures the total environmental footprint of a product – from manufacture to the end of life – and aims to create more efficient vehicles and processes as well as ensuring that the materials used are more sustainable.

During 2011 Land Rover completed an LCA study on the new Range Rover Evoque – a process which has led to many innovations. Here we take a look at the results of the study for engineering and the use of recycled materials.

LIGHTWEIGHT ENGINEERING

Among the Range Rover Evoque’s many innovations is the use of lightweight engineering. This means that materials have been chosen which ensure improvements to both efficiency and fuel economy and, therefore, reduce the Range Rover Evoque’s environmental impact over its’ life cycle.

Petrol and diesel engines have been downsized as a result of weight savings, yet crucially, have not led to the loss of essential torque and power -characteristics expected by Land Rover’s discerning customers.

What’s more, many traditionally steel components has been replaced by aluminium and polymer components. Although, at first these are more energy-intensive to mine and produce than steel, the LCA study shows that as aluminium and composites are light in weight they actually help reduce fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions, compared to steel components, over the life of the Range Rover Evoque.

Another fantastic side effect is the flexibility of the materials. They are easier to mould and form and so have lent themselves perfectly to creating the stunning design of the Evoque.

And all these innovations have been made without compromising the highest standards of luxury, performance and safety.

THE SCIENCE OF RECYCLING & SUSTAINABILITY

The Evoque has also made extensive use of recycled materials in interior and exterior mouldings, engine bay components and interior fabrics, also without compromising on luxury.

In total, 16kg of premium recycled polymeric materials are engineered into every vehicle; the equivalent of reusing material from a thousand 500ml plastic bottles*.

These recycled polymers and aluminium in the Evoque help reduce its’ environmental impact; creating a smaller carbon footprint than the use of virgin materials.

Incredibly, some elements of the Dinamica® seat fabric are actually sourced from consumer waste! However, by using state-of-the-art technology, Land Rover is able to maintain the highest levels of luxury whilst incorporating recycled materials. Leather seats are also available.

Recycled aluminium is also widely used in castings across the Evoque. The surplus metal created during the stamping production process is sent back to the supplier where it is melted back into coils of aluminium. This means Land Rover reduces the need for primary aluminium production, conserving valuable energy and reducing CO₂ emissions.

And what’s really exciting, is that this is just the start. Jaguar Land Rover is continuing to increase the amount of recycled materials used in every vehicle’s manufacture, improving sustainability and ensuring efficient material utilisation, all thanks to innovations like LCA.

*Based on a 16g plastic bottle, (wrapper and cap not included).

The Land Rover ‘Go Beyond’ Bursary 2012 has been officially launched at the annual Explore weekend of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), one of Land Rover’s six Global Humanitarian and Conservation Partners.

The Bursary is run by the Society, on behalf of Land Rover, and offers funding, plus the use of a Defender 110 vehicle. The award is aimed at those who want to take a journey beyond their limits and boundaries. Past projects have included a trip to a previously inaccessible glacier in Central West Iceland; a 15,000 mile expedition along fault lines from Iceland to Iran; and an educational programme exploring the potential Atlantic coastline in a climate-changed future.

Mark Cameron, Global Brand Extension Director for Land Rover described how this year’s project offers even more: “It gives me great pleasure, in not only announcing the launch of the ‘Go Beyond‘ Bursary 2012, but for the first time, to announce the trebling of the total amount of Land Rover funding.

“Hopefully, this will enable the winning Bursary team to match the vehicles’ ‘Go Anywhere’ philosophy and allow them to adventure further afield than ever before.”

Paul Rose, Vice President of Expeditions & Fieldwork, RGS-IBG added, “The Land Rover ‘Go Beyond’ Bursary offers recipients an amazing opportunity to take a journey to promote a wider understanding and enjoyment of people, places and environments. “

“With the use of a Land Rover Defender 110, you can really get off the beaten track and make the most of the vehicle’s capabilities in remote terrain and in demanding environments, helping to turn ideas for challenging and inspiring geographical journeys into a reality.”

The winning application may connect with schools, local communities or projects; but whatever its aim, the team will be expected to inspire and engage others, both from the field and on return.

A bursary of £15,000 is available and applicants can apply for a further discretionary fund of up to £15,000 to support essential expedition-related costs. The application deadline is 3^rd February 2012 and interviews will take place in London, in March 2012.  To apply, visit www.rgs.org/GoBeyond

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is one of six Global Humanitarian & Conservation Partners with Land Rover, which forms part of an integrated approach to sustainability and sits within Land Rover’s Our Planet.

Check out this montage of footage collated by Go Beyond Bursary Winners (Latitude, Atlantic Rising, Fault Line Living and Glacier in the Greenhouse) to celebrate the launch of the Go Beyond Bursary 2012.

November marks the eighth anniversary of Land Rover’s partnership with China Exploration & Research Society (CERS).

Led by Wong How Man – China’s ‘greatest living explorer’ and a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) – CERS focuses on some of China’s most endangered natural and cultural heritage, as well as original exploration of national treasures.

Founded in 1986, CERS explores remote regions of China, conducts multi-disciplinary research, conserves nature and culture, and also seeks to educate through its results and findings. CERS was established as one of Land Rover’s six Global Humanitarian and Conservation Partners in 2003 and celebrates a quarter century of exploration in 2011. Full details of the group’s activities can be seen at cers.org.hk

Wong famously led expeditions pinpointing the sources of the Yangtze (2005), the Mekong (2007) and the Yellow River (2008). And, in 2011, CERS’s summer expedition set out to reach the Salween River source, a goal that has evaded geographers and scientists for decades. Despite immense difficulties, including a sudden and bitter snowstorm, the team reached the source on 14 June 2011.

CERS’s latest wildlife projects include researching the Tibetan Antelope calving ground at the Arjin Mountain Nature Reserve, an extremely remote region of Xinjiang close to the Tibetan plateau. Whilst there, they also studied rare and exotic breeds of Asiatic Beaver, Wild Yak, Black-Necked Crane and Musk Deer.

The CERS caving teams were recently featured on a CCTV 10 Beijing, a major state TV science channel, for discovering a new species of cave-dwelling blind fish. Meanwhile, there are plans for four further caving expeditions in 2012. CCTV Channel 12 primetime has also aired three new half-hour episodes on a variety of CERS projects in November, with three hour-long episodes due in 2012. In all, CCTV is watched by over a billion people worldwide.

Cultural preservation is another focus for CERS. The teams have preserved 15 traditional thatch-roofed houses of the Li minority people of Hainan Island in southern China, in support of the Lisu Hill Tribe community. CERS have also successfully saved one of the world’s last remaining timber courtyard houses of the Lisu hunting/collecting tribe of remote Yunnan Province in southwest China. Their future plans include beekeeping research, a pressing issue worldwide.

CERS have a total of nine project sites including Zhongdian Centre, Tai Tam Research Centre, Tibetan Mastiff Kennel, Tibetan Nunnery, Black-Necked Crane Museum, Burmese Cat Café, Yak Cheese Site, Hainan Hongshui Site, Tea House Clinic and Exploration Museum.

In addition, CERS’s educational contribution has included hosting 30 summer interns, with the aim to provide a more diverse learning experience. Students have come from secondary school to university level – and from a range of backgrounds, including Eton, Choate and Taft; as well as interns from more deprived areas within China and Hong Kong.

CERS Founder Wong How Man said, “CERS take on multiple expeditions and projects throughout the year with a large, diverse team from around the world. For our explorers and scientists, Land Rover not only provides a means of transportation through some of the most difficult and inhospitable terrain on this planet, but also acts as an essential shelter in the world’s most extreme weather conditions along the way.”

Bob Grace, President JLR China added, “We are proud of Land Rover’s achievements in preservation of fragile environments and endangered wildlife around the globe. In China, we are glad to work with China Exploration and Research Society to bring our philosophy of sustainability to the local community. For the future, we will continue to expand the scope of our care for nature and continuously reinforce the commitment to making our environment better.”

People in the UK can find out more about this commitment at The Land Rover In Action Exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society from 14-18November 2011. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm.

The Land Rover In Action Exhibition features the work of Land Rover’s six Global Humanitarian & Conservation Partners including; International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Born Free Foundation, Biosphere Expeditions, China Exploration & Research Society (CERS), Earthwatch Institute and the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). It showcases the invaluable work of the Global Partners and their numerous projects utilizing Land Rover’s all-terrain vehicles, stretching across the four corners of the world. The exhibition is open to the public and entry is free.

Even more fantastic news for Land Rover’s new Range Rover Evoque as it was declared the overwhelming victor of the Scottish Car of the Year awards by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers. Not only that, it won the award by receiving more votes than any previous winner. And to top off the success, the Evoque was also named Best Compact SUV.

Range Rover Evoque – Scottish Car of the Year – John Murdock, Murray Diestch – Land Rover Our Planet

Jim Murdoch, president of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, described the award-winning car as “wholly deserving” winner of the Scottish Car of the Year title.

“Built in Britain and with an iconic badge on its bonnet, our top car of 2011 has wowed everyone who’s driven it,” he added. “With more votes than any previous winner, this car is a runaway success. No surprise then that it already has queues of buyers stretching round the block and beyond. We’re very proud to be among the first to acknowledge the brilliant work that has gone into building this car, especially as it’s so ideally suited to Scotland’s unique driving conditions.

“As two tough winters have shown, the need for capable 4×4s is still as strong as ever in Scotland. When the snow isn’t falling, we also demand a car that works just as well for family and business needs. And as if we’re not already asking for everything in one car, we also want excellent economy and affordable running costs. Our winner achieves all of this and also manages to be one of the most desirable cars money can buy.”

Whilst accepting the award, Land Rover’s director of engineering programmes, Murray Dietsch, acknowledged the praise: “Scottish Car of the Year is undoubtedly one of the most important accolades in the industry. On behalf of everyone at Land Rover, I would like to thank the association for the award and for recognising that the Evoque is the most exciting car to be driven on Scottish roads this year.”

Phil Hodgkinson, product development director added: “We are all very proud. The Evoque is the result of a real team effort, with all functions across the company working together to create a unique, exciting and altogether outstanding new vehicle.”

Of course Land Rover has been recognised by the Scottish Car of the Year awards in the past when the Discovery 4 was voted top of the Scots in 2009. And for the Evoque, it is yet another fantastic accolade to follow success in the Auto Express New Car Awards, in which it was declared the magazine’s Car of the Year and Best Compact SUV.

The Evoque hit UK showrooms back in September, with 20,000 worldwide advance orders, of which 6000 came from British buyers.

The new Range Rover Evoque is not only the most fuel efficient Range Rover ever made but it offers customers an incredible range of options and accessories across a range of price points; the range starts at £27,955.