Following in the footsteps of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship – which was awarded three-star status in its inaugural season – and Mahindra Racing, the team are just the third in motorsport history to have been granted this accreditation.
The team announced full carbon neutrality in August of this year, and has recently become the first motorsport outfit to have signed the UNFCCC Sports For Climate Action Framework, of which Formula E is also a signatory.
The FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme is aimed at helping the sport's stakeholders worldwide to measure and enhance their environmental performance. By introducing clear and consistent environmental management into motorsport, it provides a three-level framework against which to accredit their activities.
Race Against Climate Change
“Achieving the highest level of FIA sustainability accreditation is another great step for the team and something we’re incredibly proud of as we continue with our Race Against Climate Change initiative," said Jennifer Babington, Envision Virgin Racing’s Operations Director.
"Sustainability sits at the heart of this team and to be cited as the benchmark for Formula E teams moving forward by the FIA shows our commitment and passion.
"Working with the FIA, we have analysed how the business currently works and processes we can implement for the future to retain our three-star accreditation whilst also encouraging and inspiring others to do the same.”
Envision Virgin Racing's news follows the announcement that Formula E has become the first sport to have achieved a net zero carbon footprint from inception, and the team's accolade now matches the championship's Three-Star Environmental Accreditation, achieved in Season 1.
Jamie Reigle, Chief Executive Officer of Formula E, said: “It is fantastic news to see that one of Formula E’s founding teams, Envision Virgin Racing, has accomplished FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation.
"The work the entire team has done shows great intent to lead the way in sustainable practice while continuing to strive for improvement, both on and off the track.
"As the only FIA World Championship with Three-Star Accreditation, we’re proud to see teams and competitors joining us on this journey towards a more sustainable future and committing to best practice in such a crucial area.”
“The FIA wishes to congratulate Envision Virgin Racing on achieving the Three-Star status within the FIA Environmental Accreditation," added Felipe Calderon, President of the FIA Environment and Sustainability Commission.
"It is essential for the FIA to have collaborators such as Envision Virgin Racing who, through their impressive commitment towards sustainability, are setting up a benchmark level for all motorsport teams.”