McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team has become first motor sport stakeholder in the world to receive the FIA Institute’s Environmental Award.
The award is part of a broader initiative between the FIA, the world body of motorsports, and the FIA Institute aimed at evaluating and reducing the environmental impact of motor sport.
It is also the highest level attainable within the FIA Institute Sustainability Programme, which helps motor sport stakeholders to measure, improve and be recognised for their environmental performance.
Organisations that sign up are rated against three levels of environmental performance, so measuring their achievement and providing a benchmark against which to improve.
Shortly after the scheme was announced, in June 2012, McLaren applied for accreditation and underwent a series of stringent assessments set out by FIA Institute environmental experts. The F1 team achieved the highest level through demonstrating a commitment to continual improvement and impressive environmental awareness throughout the entire organisation.
FIA president Jean Todt said:
“McLaren’s award is an important step in the recognition by motor sport of the social responsibility our community must acknowledge if our championships are to remain in tune with the key environmental debates we are all a part of. The FIA and the FIA Institute are researching the environmental impact of motor sports across all our world championships.”
Following Jean Todt Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal, Martin Whitmarsh, said:
“We’re delighted to receive this Award for Excellence from the FIA Institute. It’s great that the
sport is encouraging those within it to improve their environmental performance and we are thrilled to be the first to achieve the highest level.”
Info & Image: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
