The RedBook Insider: VESR emissions stars now live on RedBook

The Vehicle Emissions Star Rating (VESR) system has been integrated into RedBook, allowing users to view emissions performance while researching new and used cars.

The NSW Government-developed system assigns vehicles a rating based on tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, giving buyers a clearer picture of a car’s environmental impact at the point of comparison.

The Key Details

• VESR now integrated into RedBook
• Six-star system rates tailpipe CO2 emissions
• Applies to eligible light vehicles sold in Australia since 2004
• Ratings visible in search results and available as a filter

 

The Finer Details

Developed by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Vehicle Emissions Star Rating (VESR) system gives vehicles a score out of six stars based on tailpipe CO2 emissions. The more stars a vehicle receives, the lower its emissions.

Through its integration with RedBook, the rating now appears directly within vehicle search results and can also be applied as a filter. This allows buyers to compare emissions performance alongside pricing, specifications and running cost information when researching vehicles.

RedBook users can also access a VESR calculator to estimate potential fuel or energy cost savings, based on their driving distance and current fuel or electricity prices.

NSW Director for Transport Electrification and Safeguard Terry Niemeier said the move puts trusted information in front of consumers at a critical stage of the buying process.

“It means NSW households can compare options quickly and confidently and understand the long-term benefits of choosing a lower-emissions vehicle,” Niemeier said.

RedBook Australia general manager Adrian Givoye said the collaboration would support more informed purchasing decisions.

“By integrating VESR into RedBook, we’re helping consumers make smarter, more sustainable choices with confidence,” Givoye said.

The Road Ahead

Embedding the VESR system into one of Australia’s most widely used vehicle research platforms significantly expands the reach of the NSW Government’s emissions rating initiative.

With emissions data now displayed alongside pricing and ownership information, buyers comparing petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles are expected to benefit from greater transparency when weighing up their options.

The VESR data field offers valuable insights into vehicle environmental standards, making your RedBook dataset more comprehensive. If you are interested in receiving this new addition in your RedBook dataset, reach out to the team via info@redbook.com.au for more information.