Net zero carbon footprint is no ‘short-term gimmick’

Michelle Foster
F1-grid-British-GP-2019-PA

F1-grid-British-GP-2019-PA

Although some scoffed at it, Yath Gangakumaran, the man behind F1’s plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, insists it is not a “short-term gimmick”.

Last year Formula 1 announced plans for a net zero carbon footprint by 2030.

F1’s bosses aim to reduce the footprint through measures aimed at logistics and travel as well as using sustainable materials at grand prix weekends and ensuring that all waste is reused, recycled or composted.

But while some have scoffed at the idea of a racing series, especially one that burns fuel and travels the globe, having a net zero carbon emission, Gangakumaran insisted during the recent Autosport International Show that it is now a gimmick.

“We are taking [decarbonisation] very seriously, it’s going to be a long term transition for us as a sport,” the Director of Strategy and Business Development Gangakumaran said.

“This isn’t a short-term marketing campaign, it’s not a short-term gimmick, this is a fundamental change in the way that we operate as a sport.

“Instead of being defensive and apologetic about having cars with internal combustion engines, we want to take a leadership position to showcase that with incredible leading-edge technology married to a purpose, we can actually help to decarbonise not just oursport, but hopefully have a bigger impact outside of our sport.”

Formula 1 currently has a 256,551-tonne carbon footprint.

Gangakumaran added: “We’ve been terrible at telling the story about Formula 1 in sustainability and efficiency, and that’s going to change.”

Formula 1 and the FIA have committed to UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework, in line with the 2030 net zero carbon goals set out.

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