The Formula One racing industry has given the green light to an ambitious programme to reduce its carbon footprint by 15 percent reduction over the next three years and boost fuel efficiency.
Announcing the initial goals of the scheme, the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) says it is the first sport to undertake a comprehensive and externally audited carbon reduction programme.
Future targets may include a doubling of energy efficiency in engines, which manufacturers hope will eventually feed through into road cars.
Despite running at less than five miles per gallon, the fuel-thirsty racing car engines account for less than one percent of the industry's entire emissions.
Analysis by leading environmental consultancy Trucost revealed the industry's supply chain is responsible for about half of its emissions and other major sources of carbon are the transport that takes teams and equipment from race to race, and electricity.
One option the FIA and engine manufacturers is said to be considering from 2013 is increasing engine efficiency through limiting the amount of fuel that each car can use.
Currently, each car will burn about 160kg of petrol in an average race in its 2.4 litre normally-aspirated V8 engine.
Under this scenario, engines would be made much smaller - about 1.5 litres, in either a straight 4-cylinder or V6 configuration - and turbocharged.
Then the amount of fuel allotted to each car would be progressively decreased over successive seasons, perhaps down to about 80kg within five years, with manufacturers aiming to hold power output at current levels - which would imply a virtual doubling of energy efficiency from today's standard.
In a statement announcing the programme, FOTA, confirmed: “Working closely with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), FOTA has committed to working to develop new Formula One engine and powertrain regulations that will require all entrants from 2013 onwards to fit their Formula One cars with engines and powertrains that incorporate technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency.
“At the same time, revisions to Formula One’s sporting regulations will enhance and incentivise the competitive benefit of further reducing fuel consumption.
Martin Whitmarsh, chairman of FOTA and team principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, added: “The good news is that, in conjunction with the FIA’s and FOTA’s recent successful efforts to improve efficiencies and restrict resources applied to Formula One, it has already been possible to reduce Formula One’s total carbon emissions.
“Moreover, building on what we have already achieved, and extrapolating what is now being planned, we anticipate that by 2012 Formula One will have reduced its total carbon emissions by 12.4% compared with 2009.
“With the support of all its member teams, FOTA has committed to the continuation of this programme, and has undertaken to maintain continuous and independent analysis and assessment in order to ensure that these carbon emissions reduction targets are met or bettered, and to investigate where further carbon emissions reduction opportunities may exist. Measurement and management, in other words.
“In addition, the FIA and FOTA are already working together to tailor the 2013 technical regulations to ensuring that all engines and powertrains used in Formula One by that date will showcase, and provide a platform for the ongoing development of, technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency.
“This is a very exciting time for Formula One, and I am delighted that our sport has been able to take a global environmental lead in this way.”
Dr Richard Mattison, chief operating officer of Trucost, said: “FOTA has used advanced techniques to measure greenhouse gas emissions across the sport – from the sourcing of raw materials to production, logistics and racing itself. It has identified ambitious reduction targets and will be working to further improve its efficiency over time.
“Via this work, Formula One as a sport has demonstrated its commitment to becoming more environmentally efficient, and will continue to lead the way in developing innovations that will improve efficiency across the automotive industry globally.”
And Simon Thomas, Trucost chief executive, continued, “Formula One is fundamentally about efficiency – how to squeeze performance within the restrictions of physics and the rules.
“There is a growing need to transition from fossil fuel dependency to an economy that is more carbon efficient. In keeping with this trend, the Formula One teams have collectively made a firm commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a significant way.
“This is consistent with Formula One’s position as a leader in technological innovation and illustrates what can be achieved by organisations not traditionally associated with the environmental agenda. We also believe that the engineering excellence that exists within Formula One will have a part to play in the inevitable shift to more carbon efficient transportation”
A spokesman for the sport's governing body Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, said: “The FIA welcomes the announcement of the Formula One teams’ carbon calculation and reduction programme.
“The calculation is entirely consistent with the recommendations made by the FIA Environmentally Sustainable Motor Sport Commission, importantly encompassing the complete supply chain of activities.
“The programme highlights the important role that new technologies will play in reducing emissions over the coming years and the leadership role of our sport in developing efficiency solutions for the wider automobile sector.
“The FIA is committed to furthering motor sport’s environmental relevance and to this end is developing a number of environmental working groups relating to issues such as power-train development, facility construction, and noise management.”
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