Formula One racing is setting an example for others by taking the global climate emergency seriously. They have developed an action plan to become 100% carbon-neutral by 2030 and will ensure all events are sustainable by 2025.
For the past twelve months, Formula One teams have been developing this plan by working closely with sustainability experts, the FIA, promoters, and other partners to begin reducing their carbon footprint immediately.
Chase Carey, Chairman, and CEO of Formula One released a statement:
In launching F1’s first-ever sustainability strategy, we recognize the critical role that all organizations must play in tackling this global issue.
Currently, Formula One race cars use an internal combustion engine (ICE) hybrid power unit. They say this will play a key role in the future of the automotive industry because they already sit on a global platform that can develop technologies and accelerate the progress to eliminate carbon emissions.
By 2021 it will be mandatory that all teams use 10% biofuel, which will also improve engine efficiency.
Their commitment to going carbon neutral by 2030 is not only going to help Formula One, but it will have an impact on the entire automobile industry. More than 1 billion of the 1.1 billion vehicles on the road worldwide use ICE engines. The F1 hybrid power unit in use today already delivers more power and uses less fuel than other cars. Advancements in sustainable fuels and energy recovery systems will lead to rapid advancement in the development of a net-zero hybrid power unit.
FIA President Jean Todt comments: “The FIA welcomes this Formula One initiative. It is not only very encouraging for the future of motorsport, but it could also have strong benefits for society as a whole.”
Formula One realizes that it’s not only on the racetrack that they need to reduce emissions but off the track as well. They have initiatives in place to change over to 100% renewable-powered offices, facilities, and factories, along with plans for “ultra-efficient” logistics and travel.
Formula One also plans to make all events sustainable by 2025 by eliminating single-use plastic and they say that all waste will be composted, recycled or reused. Formula One says it will also provide incentives and tools to offer fans greener ways to reach events.
The Green Party deputy leader, Amelia Womack commends Formula One for their plan:
It is very welcome that Formula One is making this commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, and significantly clean up their environmental impact. It should set a benchmark for all other sports organizations and businesses to follow suit – if F1 can do it then surely anyone can. The science is clear, we must turn our whole economy and society to be net-zero carbon by 2030. The government should hang their heads in shame that they won’t reach net-zero carbon emissions until at least 2050, while a World Series of car racing is doing the right thing for the planet.
It’s estimated that Formula One produces 256,000 tons of CO2 each season, 45% of which comes from travel by air, sea, and road transport. To help offset this, they plan on investing in tree planting and developing carbon recapture technology. It is estimated that Formula One invests £1bn in research and development every year. With this new commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, it’s safe to say a good portion of that money will be used to help our global carbon footprint and become a great role model for other sports and large corporations worldwide.
