Formula One teams reduce emissions by 7%

The Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA) has revealed that carbon emissions have been cut across the board by seven per cent.

During the two years between 2009 and 2011, the teams were instructed to make their vehicles more fuel efficient, in a bid to protect the environment.

Collectively, emissions were reduced by seven per cent, with some sectors seeing a larger fall and others increasing the amount of harmful gases emitted.

Indeed, fuel efficiency led to a 24 per cent cut in carbon emissions from Formula One cars, while there was also a 14 per cent fall in emissions from electricity use.

However, it was not all good news, as emissions from business travel and freight rose by 38 per cent and 16 per cent respectively.

The Formula One team is said to be thrilled with the achievement.

"We are delighted to have achieved such significant reductions in our carbon emissions at such an early stage on our journey," said FOTA chairman Martin Whitmarsh.

"With Trucost’s assistance, we have implemented robust systems to manage the carbon emissions of the Teams and identify areas for further emissions reductions.

According to him, Formula One will "continue our focus on fuel efficiency".

In addition, the team are investigating opportunities to shift towards more carbon-efficient freight transport modes - areas which saw an increase in the amount of emissions.

"We are delighted that the FIA Institute has launched a global environmental accreditation programme, which underscores the commitment of the sport to taking positive action on sustainability," he said.

It is hoped by many officials that the achievements of Formula One will inspire others in the sport sector to also look into ways to reduce emissions.

Indeed, Richard Mattison, chief executive of Trucost called the news "an important development for sport and the wider automotive industry".