Silverstone has revealed a new business sustainability strategy in its race to have a positive impact on the planet and to be part of the change.
The home of British motorsport, Silverstone is accelerating change to lead the way as a sporting and business events venue by committing to an ambitious ten-year venue and facility investment strategy that will put sustainability at the centre of daily operations and aligns Silverstone’s plans with those of F1® and other key partners in the sport.
Silverstone has become the first motor racing venue to join the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action programme and looks forward to working collaboratively with the global sporting community to identify solutions to fight collectively climate change. Last year, the venue also signed joined hundreds of other venues across the world in signing the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge.
With its commitment to reimagining how the venue operates, Silverstone is pioneering new ideas by inviting current and future partners to bring the right solutions to fuel its passion.
Sustainability initiatives are already on track, with technology leading the way. Silverstone has installed 1,342 solar panels on the roof of the International Conference and Exhibition Centre and this is just the start. Phase 2 of this project will be completed in the autumn when a total of 2,764 panels covering over 5,200 m2 will generate over 13% of the venue’s power. In addition to this, all on site generators, under the control of Silverstone, now run on HVO biofuel, resulting in a 90% reduction of emissions and, from 2023, will be fully powered by renewable energy sources.
From sustainable racing, engineering and innovative business events to practical commitments, the plan also considers how to engage and inspire fans, event organisers and delegates, bringing the community on Silverstone’s journey. Over the next 12 months, Silverstone will have 30 electric vehicle charging stations on site, with points at the Conference Venue, Museum, and the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.
Silverstone has found a way to drive down emissions, while revving up the visitor experience. The venue has evolved its catering offer, to reduce food waste and single use plastics, and offer delicious vegan and plant-based catering options. Increasing recycling points for plastic bottles and cans, the venue has made it easier than ever for delegates to reduce their impact too.
Stuart Pringle of Silverstone commented “As the home of British motorsport we have a responsibility to lead the way with smarter and cleaner methods of working and sustainability will be at the heart of all we do at Silverstone. I am delighted that we have completed our first major step of this journey with the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Conference Venue and I look forward to unveiling more initiatives as we move forward with our Shift to Zero”.
For more information and to find out about more visit www.silverstone.co.uk/sustainability
