Silverstone’s Shift to Zero
Following last weekend’s drama in Austria, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris resume their running battle in Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The grand Prix is synonymous with epic wheel-to-wheel competition on the track, but Sunday’s event takes place in the context of a much more consequential race: the race to net zero.
Silverstone’s Sustainability Ambition
Silverstone Circuit, a member of BASIS, set out its ambitions in its Shift to Zero strategy, launched in 2022. The strategy aims to support Silverstone’s vision of becoming the premier business and leisure destination with motorsport at its heart, using collaboration, sustainability and fan-centred mentality to deliver first class experiences for years to come.
Silverstone has committed to the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2040, and in doing so, supporting the F1 goal to be net zero by 2030.
Stuart Pringle, Silverstone’s CEO, stated; “Silverstone is the home of British Motorsport and as such we have a responsibility to continuously push the boundaries on smarter and cleaner ways of working across our own operations and with our suppliers and partners.”
Stephane Bazire, Silverstone’s Head of Business Sustainability, who spoke at the BASIS Conference in April, highlighted the progress made in 2023, saying “the arrival of 24 EV chargers on site and the switch to 100% renewable energy powering our site were significant moves forward and have been extremely well received.”
Driven by core values of Innovation, Community and Experience, the circuits approach to sustainability has been praised as comprehensive, ambitious and evolving.
Sustainability Policies and Commitments
Silverstone has embraced a broad range of policies aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. These policies are aligned with global sustainability goals and reflect a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Key aspects of Silverstone’s sustainability policies include:
- Environmental Management: the venue adheres to ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management. This involves comprehensive processes being in place for sustainable practices as well as a commitment to continual improvement
- Waste Management: since 2018, the venue has had a zero waste to landfill policy; all waste generated at the venue is either recycled, composted or converted to renewable energy. By the end of 2024, the venue is hoping to achieve a 50% recycling target.
- Renewable Energy: the circuit is powered by renewable energy, from a combination of the power generated from 2,764 solar panels onsite, as well as energy purchased from renewable sources
- Water: water conservation measures in toilet blocks have been installed and free water refill stations have been placed around the site for visitors to use
- Education and awareness: Silverstone runs education programs with Milton Keynes College, providing internships, particularly in the catering and events side of the business.
- Partnerships: The circuit has collaborated with Santander as its official sustainability partner to promote and implement sustainability initiatives.
- Visitor Engagement: Sustainability guidelines and initiatives are communicated to visitors through various channels, encouraging them to participate in recycling, sustainability activations and informing them on how to use public transport to get to site.
Future Plans and Innovations
Looking ahead, Silverstone is committed to further enhancing its sustainability efforts. Future plans include:
- Improving Data Collection: Silverstone plans to focus on improving carbon data methodology to help reduce carbon emissions.
- Fan travel: as previous data has shown, fan travel is the largest emission factor at Silverstone, so the business will continue to work on offering fans sustainable mobility solutions.
- Supply chain: another key area of emissions is from purchased goods and services, and the transportation of these to site. Silverstone therefore will work with suppliers to improve sustainability within the supply chain.
- Biodiversity: Silverstone is aiming to work on a biodiversity project that will engage and educate fans.
Last Lap
At Silverstone this weekend, F1 enthusiasts throughout the world can enjoy the magnificent spectacle of the British Grand Prix, knowing that it is being hosted at a venue that combines a history of innovation and excitement, with a commitment to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.
Find out more about sustainability at Silverstone Circuit here
