Formula E says it has achieved a net zero carbon footprint since it was officially founded in 2014 and has become the first motorsport championship to reach this goal.
The all-electric series, which becomes an official FIA world championship when it begins its next campaign in January 2021, has accomplished its new standing through what it describes as ‘internationally certified projects in all race markets to offset emissions from six seasons of electric racing.’
These initiatives include biomass energy generation, landfill gas energy generation, wind power energy generation and renewable energy certificates in the territories raced in by Formula E.
According to leading sustainability business resource edie.net the subject of ‘net-zero’ refers to ‘achieving an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere of the earth.’
The term is generally accepted as similar to ‘carbon-neutral’ in not having a negative effect on the overall environment.
Following the recommended approach set out by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Formula E has followed three key steps to achieve a net zero carbon footprint: effective measurement of carbon output, prioritising reducing its footprint and offsetting remaining unavoidable emissions.
Formula E says its ‘commitment to deliver better futures through racing drives its ongoing environmental, economic and social sustainability initiatives around the world.’
Its own sustainability department, headed by former Michelin executive Julia Palle, has worked with Swiss consultancy Quantis in calculating the overall footprint of the championship since September 2014 when it first held an E-Prix in Beijing.
Formula E’s emission reduction measures, which it says include ‘optimising transport and logistics, extending end-of-life options for lithium-ion battery cells and cutting out single use plastics on site,’ was recognised last October when it became the only motorsport series to be granted third-party ISO 20121 certification for sustainable events.
Additionally, Formula E has also announced that unavoidable emissions since it started racing have now also been certified as offset through investment in Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard UN projects in line with the UNFCCC’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
According to its own website, the CDM ‘allows emission-reduction projects in developing countries to earn certified emission reduction (CER) credits, each equivalent to one tonne of CO2.’
The CDM increases sustainability and emission reductions, while giving ‘countries flexibility in how they meet their emission reduction limitation targets.’
The CDM is the main source of income for the UNFCCC Adaptation Fund. This was founded to finance programmes in developing countries that are particularly exposed to the consequences of climate change.
FIA president Jean Todt who is a UN special envoy, said that he welcomed what he described as an “important step” for the championship that he helped to found.
“We are both signatory of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and this is one of the four key pillars of #PurposeDriven, the movement launched by the FIA to increase motorsport and mobility’s contribution to society,” he said.
Today’s announcement comes at the launch of Climate Week NYC 2020, an event hosted in association with the UN and the City of New York. It is backed by corporate giants including Amazon, Mastercard, Walmart, Facebook, L’Oréal and Bank of America.
Last week, Formula E, CEO Jamie Reigle signed the UN’s EU 2030 letter which supports the UN’s global Race to Zero campaign for a decarbonised economy.
The UK, where Formula E is based, last year became the first major economy in the world to pass laws aimed at ending its national role in global warming by 2050.
This target requires all greenhouse gas emissions to become ‘net zero’ by 2050, compared with the original target of at least 80% reduction from 1990 levels.
Reigle said that Formula E had “a responsibility to minimise the environmental impact of our global sport and are pleased to support vital environmental projects in each of our race markets.
“As a sport built on purpose, we remain committed to grow our sustainable practices and hope to inspire others to join us on our journey.”
