Formula One and DHL have seen logistical emissions fall by an average of 83 per cent during a biofuel trial.
Confirmed:
- DHL deployed a fleet of 18 biofuel-powered trucks for European leg of season
- Trial covered nine European rounds, concluding with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza
- Use of biofuel will continue into 2024 and beyond
Context:
When this move was announced in June, early estimates expected carbon emissions to be cut by around 60 per cent. So, it’s safe to say the HVO100 drop-in fuel has exceeded expectations, having powered the trucks to travel over 10,600km and transport an average 300 tonnes of freight per race.
Comment:
Ellen Jones, head of environment, social and governance at Formula One, said: “It is great to see how our logistics operations can transform to achieve our Net Zero by 2030 goal. Reductions such as 83 per cent with the use of the biofuel-powered trucks provide a fantastic platform to build upon, which we will analyse and then continue to deliver in our 2024 season, ensuring that these savings move from a single initiative to business-as-usual carbon reductions.
“Transport and logistics make up a significant portion of our carbon footprint in our sport, and it is crucial to have likeminded partners like DHL that are committed to working with us to drive these down and help us realise our Net Zero target.”
Coming next:
As Formula One rapidly approaches its self-imposed deadline of 2030 for net zero carbon emmisions, the success of this trial will be a welcome relief. However, this road freight solution only covers a segment of the calendar, with the nine European events covering 40 per cent of the schedule. With the increasing globalisation of the calendar, Formula One now needs to make significant progress on reducing emissions from air freight, the largest contributing factor for the series.