Formula 1 is targeting net zero in 2030, and a big part of that has been the push towards more environmentally friendly ways of going racing.
All 22 cars will use 100% sustainable fuels in 2026, while the race calendar has been designed to reduce F1’s global carbon footprint by grouping races by region.
A recent report from F1 claims it is on track to achieve its net-zero target, having delivered a 26% reduction in carbon emissions in 2024 compared with 2018.
Key to this has been the reduction in emissions from event operations, which have decreased by 12% on a per-race basis.
The circuits on F1’s 24-race calendar are increasingly transitioning to renewable energy sources, while key suppliers are also adapting operations to lower emissions.
Silverstone makes an impact
Silverstone has reached an important milestone in F1’s net zero targets for 2030, after achieving another certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
ISO standards are recognised globally and help organisations reduce their environmental impact in tangible ways, while enabling them to grow their businesses sustainably.
Home of the Pirelli British Grand Prix, Silverstone has secured ISO20121:2024 certification, the international standard for event sustainability management systems.
The standard provides a framework for managing sustainability throughout an event’s lifecycle, from its inception to measuring and reporting, while also making continuous improvements.
“This achievement is a testament of the dedication of our incredible teams across the business in embedding sustainability within every step from event planning to delivery and of Silverstone’s commitment to driving best practice within sustainability, having achieved the ISO14001 and the FIA 3-Star Environmental Accreditation in previous years,” a statement from Silverstone read.
The circuit has previously been recognised for enhancing biodiversity conservation, reducing reliance on plastic, and being powered by 100% green electricity with ISO14001 certification.
A starring role
Silverstone is among the venues to achieve three stars in the FIA’s Environmental Accreditation Programme, the highest level of recognition awarded to organisations demonstrating best practices in sustainability.
The programme is designed to be more than performative environmentalism, demonstrating the real impacts stakeholders are having in contributing to net-zero targets.
Assessed by independent auditors, venues are measured in performance areas across 17 criteria to achieve recognition. F1 was first awarded the accreditation in 2020, and since then, many of the teams, race promoters and host circuits have followed suit.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya recently renewed its 3-Star accreditation, ahead of F1 extending its contract to host races beyond 2026 on a rotational basis with Spa-Francorchamps.
The FIA highlighted the circuit’s commitment to renewable energies and waste management measures, including food donation programmes and mobility initiatives, as reasons for its renewal. The track also planted two hundred trees to reduce the heat island effect and promote biodiversity.
Several other race promoters and host circuits have also achieved three stars, including events in Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria and the UAE.
It shows that while F1 is making efforts to make racing greener on track, the venues themselves are contributing and making a real impact on the drive towards net zero.
