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The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) has become the first sports facility in the world to achieve organisational certification through the Council for Responsible Sport.
Confirmed:
- IMS earned silver level distinction as a certified organisation
- Certification is earned by taking action spanning five categories: planning and communications, procurement, resource management, access and equity and community legacy
Context: Key partnerships and the implementation of new tracking technology helped IMS achieve this landmark goal. With the addition of the new organizational certification, the Council for Responsible Sport implemented ReScore, a system designed to help venues track their progress. WM Sustainability Services was critical in IMS’ sustainability journey, providing support by documenting a variety of resource management credits relating to emissions calculations, waste diversion and energy consumption.
Comment: J. Douglas Boles, president of IMS: “This is a monumental and impactful achievement for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, earned through a comprehensive commitment to innovation and hard work that safeguards our community and leads the way in our sport.”
Consequence: As part of the new certification, IMS implemented new standards and procedures. This includes the development of a diversity, equity and inclusion plan, along with a public commitment to the measurement and mitigation of environmental impacts. IMS expanded waste diversion efforts beyond the Indianapolis 500 to include events hosted at IMS year-round.
Additionally, IMS adopted new procurement policies and protocols, eliminating single-use plastic and Styrofoam in office spaces, in addition to prioritising purchases from women- and minority-owned businesses and businesses with sustainability related certifications.