- More than 300 organisations were invited to take part in the study
- Formula E ranked number one in four of the five categories
The all-electric Formula E series has been ranked as the most sustainable sport by the 2022 Global Sustainability Benchmark in Sports (GSBS) annual report.
The GSBS is an independent, global not-for-profit organisation which analses and benchmarks the sustainability performance of professional sports organisations through a science-driven and data-based process.
Looking at more than 50 elite sports organisations of more than 300 invited to take part, Formula E was ranked as the top performer in four of the five categories: best total performance, best corporate performance, best environmental performance, and best governance performance.
This can be evidenced in Formula E's upcoming new Gen3 car. Using linen and recycled carbon fibre in bodywork construction for the first time has seen the series claim the new car is the most sustainable in Formula E's history, reducing the carbon footprint of the production by more than ten per cent, with all waste carbon fibre also reused for new applications.
Furthermore, Gen3 batteries are among the most advanced, sustainable batteries ever made consisting of sustainably-sourced minerals while battery cells will be reused and recycled at end of life. The new Hankook tyres are produced from natural rubber, while recycled fibres make up 26 per cent of their construction. All tyres will be fully recycled after racing.
It's also the most efficient formula racing car ever with more than 40 per cent of the energy used within a race produced by regenerative braking. Around 95 per cent power efficiency is delivered from an electric motor providing up to 350kW of power (470BHP), compared to approximately 40 per cent for an internal combustion engine.
“Setting the global standard for sustainability in sport has been a core characteristic of Formula E since we began in 2014,” said Jamie Reigle, chief executive of Formula E.
“We welcome the top ranking by GSBS as recognition for the dedication of our employees, teams and partners. We also acknowledge the efforts and achievements in sustainability by other major sports organisations around the world and welcome that progress.
“Together, we have the potential to engage billions of fans in the mission to combat climate change and make a positive difference to the lives of future generations.”
Christian Hartmann, chief executive of GSBS, added: “Formula E impressed us at the GSBS on several levels. Overall, their corporate structure and processes reflect their commitment to sustainability. We assess a wide range of data points, environmental, social, governance, and business factors, and in each area, both the amount of data available and annual trends lead the industry.
“Sustainability is literally lived in Formula E, and the entire team's dedication was felt throughout the audit process. In combination, this has resulted in Formula E receiving a GSBS Award in four out of five categories and we are looking forward to documenting the development in the years to come.”