• FOTA news

Teams reduce carbon emissions

Despite the positive figures, emissions from freight, business travel and operational fuel use was up due to the expanded race calendar © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Drivers:
• Martin Whitmarsh

Formula One teams have reduced their carbon emissions by 7% between 2009 and 2011 according to figures from the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA).

An audit carried out by environmental research analysis organisation Trucost confirmed where emissions had fallen, with the highlight being a 24% reduction in carbon emissions from the cars themselves due to increased fuel efficiency and systems such as KERS. However, some cuts were offset by an increase in business travel (up 39%) and operational fuel use (up 26%) due to an expanded race calendar to 20 races.

FOTA chairman Martin Whitmarsh said the more fuel efficient engines of 2014 would help reduce emissions even further, and admitted the next focus would be on reducing transport emissions.

"We are delighted to have achieved such significant reductions in our carbon emissions at such an early stage on our journey," Whitmarsh said. "With Trucost's assistance, we have implemented robust systems to manage the carbon emissions of the Teams and identify areas for further emissions reductions. We will continue our focus on fuel efficiency and are also investigating opportunities to shift towards more carbon-efficient freight transport modes. We are delighted that the FIA Institute has launched a global environmental accreditation programme, which underscores the commitment of the sport to taking positive action on sustainability."

Trucost chief executive Richard Mattison said Formula One was the leading sport in terms of monitoring and reducing its carbon emissions.

"By measuring, disclosing and reducing their operational and supply chain carbon emissions, the Formula One Teams lead international sports federations in the carbon race," he said. "The innovations in fuel efficiency that the teams have achieved are an important development for the sport and the wider automotive industry."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.