Formula E Joins the SBTi to Tackle Global Warming
September 24, 2021
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the world’s only all-electric FIA World Championship, has become the first sport in the world to join the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and its Business Ambition Pledge for a 1.5°C future.
SBTi drives ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets. The annoucement came during Climate Week in New York City, which began September 20. It was made on the one-year anniversary of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship becoming the first and only sport in the world to be certified net-zero carbon since its inception in 2018.
Formula E is described as a showcase for the world’s most advanced e-mobility technologies, which are helping to drive progress towards a more sustainable future. ABB is a leading global technology company that energises the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future.
The new commitment aligns with the championship's mission to reduce air pollution and fight against climate change, as well as the FIA #PurposeDriven movement for a better contribution from motorsport to society.
“We are delighted to see a host of other sporting events and properties accelerate their own sustainability agendas to reach net-zero faster. Formula E will continue to set the agenda for sport as a catalyst for change and showcase how we can all take tangible steps to reduce our combined carbon footprint,” said Jamie Reigle, Formula E CEO.
The Business Ambition’s 1.5°C campaign is an urgent call to action from a global coalition of UN agencies, business and industry leaders in partnership with the global Race to Zero campaign. Race to Zero is rallying leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. By participating, businesses can make a critical contribution to limiting the worst impacts of climate change by holding temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Formula E has committed to new measures to meet its targets including reducing its Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions (all energy used and purchased at their HQ and events) by 60 percent by 2030 and Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas emissions (all other emissions including freight, business travels, food and beverages) by 27.5 percent by 2030.
“We congratulate the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on setting science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement,” said Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Managing Director, Science Based Targets at CDP. “By setting ambitious science-based targets grounded in climate science, Formula E is taking action to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change.”
Season 8 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to begin January 2022 with a record 16 race season, spanning 12 cities across four continents.