The Formula One motor-racing series achieved an almost-seven per cent CO2 emissions drop between 2009 and 2011, according to data released today.

Reported by FOTA (the Formula One Teams Association) the F1 emissions decrease occurred as a result of various, newly-adopted green strategies. These included use of more fuel-efficient cars, better electricity management and a 14 per cent drop in raw materials consumption.

There were areas where CO2 emissions increased, too, but the overall picture is of a major sports event series determined to lessen its impact on the environment.

“We will continue our focus on fuel efficiency and are also investigating opportunities to shift towards more carbon-efficient freight transport modes”, explained the chairman of FOTA, Martin Whitmarsh. “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.”

FOTA represents eight F1 teams. They include Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Williams and Lotus and, together, they worked to drive down F1′s CO2 emissions. Actual F1 car emissions dropped almost 24 per cent between 2009 and 2011. Meantime, electricity consumption dropped 14 per cent and emissions produced by support vehicles, eight per cent.

Taking into account the CO2 emissions rises during the same period, there was an overall decline of 6.89 per cent.

“By measuring, disclosing and reducing their operational and supply chain carbon emissions, the Formula One Teams lead international sports federations in the carbon race”, added Richard Mattison, the chief executive of environmental audit group, Trucost. “The innovations in fuel efficiency that the teams have achieved are an important development for the sport and the wider automotive industry.”

In December 2011, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes become the first ever carbon neutral F1 team. In the same year, it made it into the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme’s top 100: a round-up of the British firms doing most to limit their emissions output.

Image copyright Mark McArdle – Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Enviro News – News

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