Formula E - the first sport with certified net zero carbon* footprint from inception (based on the 2020 definition). As a signatory of, and following the UN Climate Neutral Now initiative, Formula E manages its carbon footprint through a three-step method.
1. Measure
Effective and thorough measurement of carbon emissions across the entire championship.
Since our inaugural season, Formula E has worked with carbon footprint experts to assess its championship through a Lifecycle Assessment model, covering impacts related to all race operations as well as Formula E’s headquarters. The annual analysis is used to monitor and calculate the championship’s greenhouse gas emissions, understand its main sources of impact on the environment and identify opportunities for further improvement in planning and operations.
Our Scope 1 and Scope 2 footprint includes energy and electricity consumption at all race sites and HQ, while Scope 3 emissions include all other emissions such as business travel, freight and car production.
Prioritising the reduction of our own carbon footprint as much as possible through our own direct actions.
In 2021, following several seasons of meticulous work to ensure accurate measurement of our footprint, we set emission reduction targets to ensure meaningful reduction of our footprint. In doing so, we became the first sport in the world to have these targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and committed to reduce our absolute Scopes 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 60% by 2030 from Season 5 (2019) baseline. We also committed to reducing our absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 27.5% by 2030 from Season 5 (2019) baseline, which equates to an overall absolute reduction of emissions relating to Scopes 1,2 and 3 of 45% by 2030. These targets are consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Efforts are made across every area of the championship to minimise environmental impacts and progress towards achieving our Science-Based Targets (SBTs).
Formula E has developed a Climate Transition Plan in line with the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework requirements and standards and is designed to demonstrate how we will become more resilient to climate impacts as a sport and achieve our emissions reductions targets by 2030.
1/9Freight: As freight consistently has the largest impact on our championship footprint, we work directly with our official logistics provider to find reduction opportunities including biofuels for road and sea freight.
2/9Business Travel: Staff travel also represents a significant share of our championship footprint. To tackle this, we have introduced several reduction measures. These include ensuring only race-critical staff attend the races — and grouping staff together on flights as much as possible to reduce the number of airport shuttles needed) — prioritising travel by train over air where applicable, arranging shuttles only when the site isn’t within walking distance and prioritising electric/hybrid vehicles with ground transportation companies.
3/9Spectator Travel: We do not offer nor advertise parking for spectators and encourage the use of public/shared transportation through pre-event communications and with travel measured through on-site surveys.
4/9Food and Drink: All catering on-site (covering teams, staff, suppliers, spectators, and hospitality guests) includes a minimum of 30% vegetarian or vegan offerings and is locally or seasonally sourced where possible.
5/9Cars: We work with teams and suppliers to ensure the life cycle of cars and batteries is included in the championship footprint and promote the reuse and recycling of parts to reduce impact.
6/9Waste Management: We provide and encourage recycling at all of our events and ensure it is in line with local infrastructure, language and colour of waste streams.
7/9Energy Management: Formula E’s goal is to use 100% renewable energy for all events, with all car charging across the championship delivered primarily from renewable grid power and when not available, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) made from used cooking oil.
8/9Supply chain Management: Formula E clearly highlights our sustainability DNA to our entire ecosystem- sustainability is embedded throughout the entire procurement process.
9/9Water and Plastics: More than 290,000 litres of water have been distributed via Hydration Stations in the Allianz Fan Village since their introduction in Season 5, saving the equivalent of more than 585,000 330 ml single-use plastic bottles from being transported to events and disposed of after use.
Offsetting only the remaining unavoidable emissions.
In Season 6, Formula E invested in enough renewable energy projects in race markets to offset all unavoidable emissions since inception. This enabled Formula E to become the first motorsport and major sport in the world to achieve net zero carbon (based on the 2020 definition). These projects have environmental, social and economic benefits as they not only focus on renewable energy production, but provide job opportunities for local communities, drive the local economies and raise awareness about electric vehicles.
During Season 9, Formula E built on its net zero carbon* (based on the 2020 definition) commitment by becoming the first global sports organisation to align with PAS 2060, the international specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality. Please read the PAS 2060 Qualifying Explanatory Statement which demonstrates that Formula E Operations Ltd has aligned to the international standard on contributing to carbon neutrality.
All of our projects are located in regional proximity to current and previous races, including many race locations on the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar.
To read more about the certified offsetting projects Formula E has invested in, see the locations below.
Argentine
Chile
China
Europe
Malaisie
Mexico
Maroc
Uruguay
USA