• Encourage car-pooling before the event
• Set up recycling points on site
• Conduct a survey to find out how people travel to the venue
• Use locally sourced food and have plant-based options
• Carry out local neighbourhood actions
• Clean up after the event
• Race without trace
• Use sustainable fuels where available and feasible
• Use electric or hybrid , including for race logistics
• Review success and positively impact future events
• Use the carbon calculator to evaluate your impact and set targets to improve
COVER STORY
According to Scientists for Global Responsibility ( SGR ), the average Premier League match , for example , generates around 1,700 tonnes of CO 2 equivalent emissions , half of which is attributed to fans travelling to the games by car . However , some Clubs , such as Tottenham Hotspur , now operate on 100 per cent renewable energy to reduce their own footprint .
Even local sports facilities and leisure centres , while hugely beneficial for our health , can be negative for the environment , contributing significant energy usage to a council ’ s carbon footprint . The use of crumbs from recycled tyres on 3G pitches , meanwhile , can also spread rubber into the ecosystem , damaging the environment .
In motorsport terms , research body Statista states that F1 ’ s total carbon footprint in 2022 , excluding fan travel , was just over 223,000 tonnes of CO 2 equivalent emissions , 49 per cent of which was from air , sea and road transportation and 12 per cent from event operations , with just one per cent caused by the emissions from the racing cars themselves .
In the UK , the British Touring Car Championship ( BTCC ) is actively developing and delivering on policies to move towards being more sustainable , including introducing sustainable fuel for racing this season . At a grassroots and Club level , the impacts of motorsport range from emissions to waste , forestry impacts to energy usage , and it is our collective responsibility as members of the motorsport community to minimise the negative impact of activities – and reap the benefits not only for the environment but for our own pleasure and enjoyment on events .
Reducing waste , for example , makes venues nicer places to operate in and can also reduce operational costs through only using what is needed and lowering disposal fees . Reducing in air pollution , meanwhile – by shutting off engines when they don ’ t need to run – can not only reduce fuel use but also provide cleaner air for better health and wellbeing .
Energy consumption can be significant on some events and the use of renewable energy – not only grid-based , but in the form of portable solar power – is not only a good story but can potentially offer cost savings that can be passed onto members in the longer term , while less energy use also supports a decrease in operational emissions .
When events run through the natural environment – such as off-road Trials , Stage Rallies or even 12-Car rallies – protecting the plants , trees , watercourses and wildlife around us ensures a positive environment for future events , while also maintaining continued regulatory compliance and supporting positive relationships with the local community .
Reusing , recycling and using recycled materials can help reduce pollution , conserving resources and saving energy ,
Make a difference at your next event
The toolkits and guidelines offered by Motorsport UK provide comprehensive suggestions of what you can do to improve your event ’ s sustainability . Here are a few of the headline ideas that you could implement at your next event :
Spectator actions
• Encourage car-pooling before the event
• Set up recycling points on site
• Conduct a survey to find out how people travel to the venue
Fixed venue actions
• Use locally sourced food and have plant-based options
• Carry out local neighbourhood actions
Non-fixed venue actions
• Clean up after the event
• Race without trace
Fuel
• Use sustainable fuels where available and feasible
• Use electric or hybrid , including for race logistics
Legacy
• Review success and positively impact future events
• Use the carbon calculator to evaluate your impact and set targets to improve
To carry out a full event assessment , use the Carbon Calculator HERE Watch this video for tips on how to get the most from the Carbon Calculator
16
>>>>>
Revolution - March 2025