Williams Racing announces plan to be ‘climate positive’ by 2030

Williams Racing has launched a new Sustainability Strategy with the goal to be ‘climate positive’ by 2030.

The UK-based Formula 1 team says the plan has been developed over the past year in collaboration with experts, and has five key pillars: Climate Action, Biodiversity Stewardship, Sustainable Innovation, Industry Access for All and Purpose Driven Leadership.

Each pillar allows Williams to address a wide range of areas related to climate change, with each objective being measured and checked annually.

The strategy brings the firm in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and UN Climate Change Global Agenda, while Williams has become the first F1 team to become a signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.

Jost Capito, CEO of Williams Racing, said: “Williams Racing is a pioneer in Formula One and the racing world and has a strong heritage developing Formula One technology and transferring it to the EV and sustainable transport and energy sectors.

“We are living in a time when our planet and society is changing faster than ever. Building on the progress the global motorsport industry has made on sustainability in recent years, we have taken time to thoroughly analyse our entire operation and develop a comprehensive purpose driven, Sustainability Strategy to accelerate our sustainable transformation.”

Lindita Xhaferi-Slihu, Sector Engagement in Climate Action, Lead, from the UNFCCC, added: “We are pleased to welcome Williams Racing as a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.

“The team is the first Formula One Team joining the Framework, sending a clear signal on the growing importance of setting clear climate targets and of using the sport and technologies as a catalyst for change. We look forward to working together with Williams Racing to deliver on the goals of the Framework.”

Williams has outlined how each of the pillars will address specific issues, with Climate Action relating to its work to reduce emissions and energy consumption. Biodiversity stewardship looks at how the team can protect and preserve the biodiversity of the 60 acres of land its headquarters sits on.

Other issues include working to create more sustainable production and recycling, making motorsport jobs more accessible to people from all backgrounds, and being a leader in sustainability in the industry.