The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is making strides towards
sustainability, raising questions about whether high-octane motorsports
can truly go green. Race organiser Singapore GP Pte Ltd (SGP) reports
significant progress in reducing its environmental impact, with a goal
of halving energy emissions by 2028.
According to SGP's 2023 Impact Report, total emissions from event
operations within the Circuit Park's patron experience zones decreased
by 20.7% from the 2022 baseline. Energy remains the main source of
emissions, with Scope 1 direct emissions from fuel combustion accounting
for 46.56% of the total.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
- Substituting diesel with low-carbon alternatives in power generators
- Introducing biodiesel and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to power select generators
- Converting all track lights to energy-efficient LEDs
- Installing solar panels on the F1 Pit Building
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) contributed to these efforts by
commissioning the installation of 1,396 solar panels at the F1 Pit
Building, which generated over 923,000kwh in their first year of
operation.
Sasha Rafi, director of sustainability at SGP, stated, "We made a
commitment in 2022 to work towards halving our energy emissions by 2028,
and I am pleased to report that we are moving in the right direction
towards this target."
The event has also implemented water-saving measures, eliminated
single-use plastic water bottles, and increased the use of biodegradable
tableware.
Ellen Jones, head of ESG at Formula 1, commented, "Data, innovation
and investment are key components to help us reach our targets and share
best practice across the sport."