Formula 1 vs Formula E: Diverging Paths to Sustainability

In the world of motorsport, Formula 1 and Formula E stand as two premier championships, each charting its own course toward sustainability.

As both series strive to reduce their environmental impact, particularly in managing Scope 3 emissions, their approaches and progress reveal significant differences.

Formula 1's sustainability journey

Formula 1 has long been associated with high-speed thrills and a global fanbase. However, this global reach comes with a hefty environmental price tag.

Acknowledging this, Formula 1 has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Yet, the road to this ambitious goal is fraught with challenges, particularly in reducing Scope 3 emissions, which constitute the bulk of the sport's carbon footprint.

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, stated: "Our focus on sustainability is driving us to look beyond just our direct emissions.

"Tackling Scope 3 emissions is crucial as they represent the largest part of our carbon footprint. We are working closely with teams, suppliers and partners to develop innovative solutions that reduce these indirect emissions across our entire ecosystem."

Scope 3 emissions breakdown in Formula 1

Scope 3 emissions, encompassing indirect emissions within a company's value chain, are a major concern for Formula 1. These emissions are largely driven by:

• Logistics: Accounting for 45% of total emissions, the transportation of cars, equipment and race infrastructure across the globe is a significant contributor.
• Personnel travel: Making up 27.7% of the sport's emissions, the frequent travel of teams, staff and media adds substantially to the overall carbon footprint.

Initiatives to reduce Formula 1's emissions

In response to these challenges, Formula 1 has introduced several measures aimed at reducing its Scope 3 emissions:

• Renewable energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources in offices and factories.
• Staff travel reduction: Cutting down on unnecessary travel for personnel.
• Efficient freight methods: Implementing more efficient air freight and modern aircraft, while increasing the use of sea freight and local storage hubs.
• Streamlined race calendar: Adjusting the race calendar to minimise the need for long-haul flights.

Formula E: A leader in sustainable motorsport

Contrasting sharply with Formula 1's traditional model, Formula E was conceived with sustainability at its core.

Since its inception, the all-electric racing series has prioritised reducing its environmental impact and has achieved notable milestones.

Formula E's commitment to sustainability is evident in its accomplishments:

• Net zero carbon certification: Formula E has maintained net-zero carbon status since 2020.
• CO2 offsetting: In Season 8 alone, Formula E offset 33,800 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
• Science-based targets: Formula E is celebrating a 41% decrease in freight carbon emissions compared to Season 5 and a 23% decrease year on year from calendar optimisation and biofuels thanks to the partnership with DHL.

Managing Scope 3 emissions in Formula E

Formula E's approach to Scope 3 emissions is comprehensive, with a particular focus on air freight, which represents the largest share of its carbon footprint:

• Air freight: Air freight accounts for 71% of Formula E's emissions. The series is working with freight partner DHL to mitigate this impact.
• Recycling initiatives: Formula E recycles 100% of its car parts, including tyres and batteries.
• Sustainable tyres: The series has reduced tyre allocation by 25% per race and uses a single type of hybrid tyre engineered for various conditions, minimising waste.

Comparative analysis: Formula 1 vs. Formula E

When comparing the sustainability efforts of Formula 1 and Formula E, several key differences emerge:

• Starting point: Formula E was designed with sustainability in mind, whereas Formula 1 is adapting an existing, less eco-friendly model.
• Scale: Formula 1's global footprint is significantly larger, making its emissions reduction efforts more challenging.
• Technological impact: Formula E's all-electric vehicles produce no direct emissions during races, giving it a distinct advantage.
• Progress: While Formula 1 is working towards its 2030 goal, Formula E has already achieved net-zero carbon certification.

In collaboration with DHL, Formula E has worked diligently to optimise its race calendar and explore alternative fuel usage.

It includes powering road freight with electricity or second-generation biofuels derived from waste and certified as renewable energy.

Julia Pallé, Vice President of Sustainability at Formula E, emphasises DHL's critical role in their sustainability efforts, stating: "DHL plays such a pivotal role for us in sustainability because the carbon footprint related to our footprint for freight is between 70 and 75%.

"DHL has been fantastic in being very hands-on in the challenge we're facing and trying to test and learn and create opportunities."

A divergence in sustainable motorsport

Both Formula 1 and Formula E are making strides in reducing their Scope 3 emissions, yet Formula E is currently leading the charge in sustainable motorsport.

Formula 1's challenge lies in balancing its vast global presence with environmental responsibility, while Formula E continues to push the envelope in eco-friendly racing.

As the spotlight on climate change intensifies, both series will need to accelerate their sustainability efforts, setting the pace for the future of motorsport.

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