The Williams Racing F1 team, partnered by Acronis, has committed to becoming climate positive by 2030.
With such a huge focus from the global motorsport industry on sustainability in recent years, the Grove based team started the ‘Williams Racing Sustainability Strategy’ – a series of robust technological and data driven initiatives which aims to address some of the most important environmental and societal challenges facing Formula One.
“Building on the progress the global motorsport industry has made on sustainability in recent years, we have taken time to thoroughly analyse our entire operation and develop a comprehensive purpose driven, Sustainability Strategy to accelerate our sustainable transformation,” commented Jost Capito, CEO, Williams Racing.
“As a team, we wanted to push the envelope and be the pace setter for sustainability in global motorsport and in the wider automotive industry. So today we are making the commitment to be climate positive by 2030 and we will be using our knowledge to nurture and develop advanced technology to meet this goal.
“As we progress towards our goal to be climate positive in the years ahead, my hope is that Williams Racing can inspire all those connected with our sport and beyond, using motorsport as a catalyst for significant and long-lasting change.”
In taking this bold and important step, Williams Racing becomes the first Formula One Team to be a signatory of the UNFCCC, UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
In addition, Williams Racing Sustainability objectives are aligned with 12 of the 17 United Nations Development Goals (SDGs). Williams Racing is also aligned with industry specific standards and has recently gained FIA Three-star environmental accreditation.
“We are pleased to welcome Williams Racing as a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework,” added Lindita Xhaferi-Slihu, Sector Engagement in Climate Action, Lead, from the UNFCCC.
“The team is the first Formula One Team joining the Framework, sending a clear signal on the growing importance of setting clear climate targets and of using the sport and technologies as a catalyst for change. We look forward to working together with Williams Racing to deliver on the goals of the Framework.”
One team, one mission: Live sustainable performance in every dimension 💪 pic.twitter.com/dPsc2rnT33
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) October 13, 2021
The five key pillars of the Williams Racing Sustainability Strategy
Climate Action, covers the strategy and targets for how the team will reduce carbon emissions for travel and energy consumption at HQ, reduce waste and water usage and over time create its own energy, on its journey to becoming climate positive.
Biodiversity Stewardship, covers the strategy and targets for how the team protect and preserve the biodiversity on the 60 acres of the HQ campus, including the Letcombe Brook – one of only 240 chalk streams in the world.
Sustainable Innovation, covers the strategy and targets to foster sustainable and innovative solutions that tackle global challenges in and outside of F1™. This includes Williams Racing undertaking full life cycle management of its racing cars, deploying circular economy strategies within the team and being actively involved in projects such as carbon capture technologies.
Industry Access for All, covers the strategy and targets to make motorsport more accessible by creating an environment in which anyone can thrive, and a workforce that reflects our community through academy programmes, scholarships and Esports.
Purpose Driven Leadership, covers the strategy and targets for Williams Racing to act as pace setters for sustainability within the motorsport industry. Building a strong, transparent and accountable culture in our team, at races, with our partners, suppliers, local community and fans.
The Williams Racing Sustainability Strategy was developed with support from Enovation Consulting, a purpose driven sustainability and strategic management agency.