A NORTH East engineering firm has become one of the first to receive an environmental badge of honour from the Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles awarded 45 of the inaugural Terra Carta Seals today, including to Cummins, which has a base in Darlington.

The company, which has a plant in Yarm Road, was recognised for its commitment to environmental sustainability and decarbonisation.

Read more: Cummins to accelerate hydrogen engine development

The Terra Carta Seal is inspired by the Magna Carta, is part of the The Prince of Wales’ sustainable markets initiative, aimed at establishing a global forum for industries to restructure their operations in a way that protects the world’s natural resources.

Speaking in Glasgow, which is hosting the COP26 global climate summit, Prince Charles said: "The Terra Carta Seal recognises those organisations which have made a serious commitment to a future that is much more sustainable, and puts nature, people and the planet at the heart of the economy.

“We all need to make changes if we are to preserve the planet for our children and grandchildren and these businesses have pledged to make it easier for us all to do so.”

Cummins environmental credentials include its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050, reducing the carbon impact of its diesel and natural gas platforms and bringing to market no-carbon technologies, including battery and fuel cell electric.

It is also a leader in the manufacture of electrolysers critical to the production of green hydrogen, a sustainable no-carbon fuel. And this year, Cummins announced its hydrogen engine programme will be accelerated with government support.

Tom Linebarger, chairman and chief executive of Cummins, said: “As the Terra Carta recognises, sustaining a vibrant economy while using fewer of the earth’s resources is the challenge of our time.

“Our mission of making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world requires a healthier planet, and it will take all of us working together to solve the world’s climate challenges.

"Being part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative is both a great honour and a great responsibility.”

Jonathan Wood, who is the UK-based vice president of new power engineering at Cummins said: “Receiving the Terra Carta Seal is a huge honour and a testament to Cummins’ commitment to sustainability.

"I am excited about what we can achieve as we continue to work closely with the Sustainable Markets Initiative.”

The seal is awarded to companies with a leadership position in their industry and have a "credible transition roadmap" to reduce their impact on the environment, including the carbon they produce.

The UK is hosting COP26 this month, which is aimed at accelerating action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

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