Net zero target in Formula 1 by 2030 progressing relentlessly: where do we stand?

Ellen Jones, Head of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at Formula 1, has announced the progress of Formula 1 in achieving the net zero goal in the premier class by 2030. Despite still having seven years until the maximum limit set in November 2019, significant positive results have already been achieved in terms of emissions reduction, not only in the premier class but also beyond.

Net zero target for Formula 1 by 2030: Where do we stand?

“Net zero by 2030 means we are reducing our emissions by at least 50%,” explained Ellen Jones, Head of Formula 1’s ESG sector. “We are in 2023, and we have seven years ahead. That means a lot of work needs to be done, and we must utilize the technologies available today.” – she pointed out.

“Our latest carbon footprint dates back to 2021, and it showed a 17% reduction compared to our 2018 baseline. It’s fantastic. However, we need to ensure year-on-year comparability, considering the consolidated seasons and changes we have had. So, we are gathering data for 2022.”

Despite the excellent results achieved over the past two years, Formula 1 continues to take giant leaps in its efforts to make the open-wheel category the world’s most environmentally friendly. Another key aspect in achieving net zero will be the introduction of eco-sustainable fuels, coinciding with the debut of the new power units in 2026.

“Our sustainability strategy is based on three fundamental pillars,” Ellen Jones continues. “The first one is to be carbon neutral by 2030. The second is to host more sustainable events. The third is to ensure that our sport is more diverse and inclusive. So, when we talk about net zero by 2030, what does it mean? It means we are reducing our absolute emissions by 50%. It means that by 2026, we will have sustainable fuels. Furthermore, it also means that we are empowering and engaging our sport as a whole in direct actions they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.”

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Formula 1, teams, and stakeholders committed to maximizing sustainability

Therefore, three additional pillars are being strongly pursued by Formula 1 to minimize emissions. According to Ellen Jones, the achievement of net zero involves the entire circus, with teams and stakeholders committed to maximizing environmental sustainability.

“All ten teams, all race promoters, and the logistics of F1 are trying to understand how to reduce CO2 emissions. There are some changes that can be made quickly, such as transitioning to a renewable energy tariff, which we, as F1, have in our offices, and all ten Formula 1 teams have done. There are other significant changes, such as remote broadcasting, which changes the way operations are carried out in terms of activities that used to take place on the track and can now be done in Kent. Much of the production no longer requires staff travel. When considering the materiality of our carbon footprint, less than 1% is constituted by fuel for racing cars.” – he continued.

Focus on logistics to accelerate the achievement of net zero
“It is an important piece of sustainable fuel so that we can look at the technical innovations that have an impact on the entire global fleet,” adds Ellen Jones. “But when I say how we will achieve net zero by 2030, two-thirds of our footprint is made up of travel logistics. When it comes to reaching zero emissions by 2030, it’s about understanding how to materially change our operations to ship less, travel lighter over a shorter distance, ensure that what travels is lightweight, revised, and locally sourced.”

“These are actions that do not depend on technological changes but on a cultural shift of every individual in Formula 1, who needs to understand their role and how their decisions impact our overall goal of zero emissions by 2030. Technological innovations are fantastic and help us make leaps instead of steps.”

Formula 1 has recently made significant commitments to make travel and logistics more efficient and less polluting. A clear example of this is the collaboration with DHL, opting for more efficient air transport and implementing a network of biofuel-powered trucks.

“When it comes to our carbon footprint, there are three fundamental levers. How do we achieve these reductions? The first is the distance traveled, the second is the mode of transportation, and the third is the quantity that travels.” – Ellen Jones explains – “And we need to address all three of these aspects. As for how an Formula 1 championship is realized, we will, of course, work on every single aspect. There are different answers depending on the various pieces of equipment. Can it be transported by sea? Can it go to a regional hub? From the calendar perspective, we fully understand that streamlining is a fundamental goal. And it is a goal that Stefano Domenicali, our CEO, has supported. It is also a partnership with our promoters.”

In conclusion, Ellen Jones states that “when you have a calendar and a date, it can be a highly sensitive topic. It’s a celebration, it always has been. But we need to bring them along with us on this journey of change so that we can host more sustainable events, reduce our carbon footprint, and balance all these variables.”