Lubricants Groups Sought New Emissions Standards
European industry groups have asked for better recognition of how high-performance lubricants reduce energy waste in cars.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Industry associations ATIEL and UEIL published a position paper urging for new frameworks that recognize how high-performance lubricants reduce emissions. The change could allow current internal combustion fleets to be credited for immediate efficiency gains through tribological improvements.
Why it matters
Current emissions accounting rules often exclude efficiency gains in existing fossil-fuel systems, overlooking measurable reductions available today. Recognizing these improvements could better reflect the role of vehicle maintenance in lowering global energy demand.
Friction accounts for 20% to 30% of global primary energy demand, while advanced tribological improvements could cut those losses by 30% to 40%. These figures represent the potential impact of high-performance lubricants currently ignored by existing decarbonization frameworks.
The players
ATIEL
A European association representing the technical, legal, and environmental interests of the lubricant industry.
UEIL
An organization representing the European lubricants industry, focusing on quality, sustainability, and industrial standards.
WBCSD
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development, an organization that develops global guidance for corporate emissions reporting.
The details
The industry associations argue that current standards for avoided emissions exclude efficiency gains in legacy fleets by labeling them merely transitional. By adopting new methodologies, the associations aim to credit 'handprint' effects, such as reduced engine wear and extended service intervals, which lower total energy consumption for active vehicle fleets. The proposal seeks to harmonize how different regions measure these savings against a standard reference scenario.
Timeline
July 2025: The WBCSD published version 2.0 of its avoided emissions guidance.
15 September 2026: ATIEL and UEIL published a formal position paper on emissions recognition.
The Home Front
This effort seeks to update the World Business Council for Sustainable Development version 2.0 avoided emissions guidance to include legacy system efficiencies. The goal is to move beyond viewing fossil-based vehicle maintenance solely as a transitional cost.
Vehicle owners can improve engine efficiency and lifespan by adhering to recommended maintenance schedules and using high-performance lubricants. While policy changes regarding emissions credits develop, prioritizing proper engine care remains the most effective way to minimize fuel waste at home.
The takeaway
Emissions standards are evolving to better measure how maintenance impacts total energy use. Keep your service records updated to ensure your vehicle runs at peak efficiency, which may eventually align with broader sustainability standards for fleet performance.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving standards for automotive efficiency in our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by F&L Asia.
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