Williams reveal sustainability plan to become "climate positive" by 2030

Williams

Williams reveal sustainability plan to become "climate positive" by 2030

Williams strategy is made up of five pillars

Sam Hall

Wednesday 13 October 2021 12:34 Updated: 12:39

Williams has unveiled its plan to become "climate-positive" by 2030 and to lead the push for sustainability in Formula 1.

Williams' plan is built around five pillars - climate action, biodiversity stewardship, sustainable innovation, industry access for all and purpose-driven leadership.

Although the wide-ranging programme encompasses areas of accessibility, the main focus is on reducing emissions and with a target set to be "in line with the below 2 degrees Celsius target of the Paris Climate Agreement and UN Climate Change Global Agenda".

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The team's sustainability objectives "are aligned with 12 of the 17 United Nations Development Goals [SDGs] as well as industry-specific standards".

Team principal Jost Capito explained: "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.

"As a team, we wanted to push the envelope and be the pacesetter for sustainability in global motorsport and in the wider automotive industry. So today we are making the commitment to be climate positive by 2030 and we will be using our knowledge to nurture and develop advanced technology to meet this goal.

“We know where we are strong and understand where improvement is required and we are open to learning from others and sharing best practices in pursuit of our ambitious objectives."

Capito added Williams welcomes "interaction and partnerships with key motorsport stakeholders, automotive companies, brands and organisations" that share the manufacturer's vision for the future.

“As a huge global sporting platform, Formula One has the power to inspire millions of people across the world and as the pinnacle of so many advanced technologies, Formula One has the ability to create technical solutions to help tackle the challenges we face as a planet," he continued.

"As we progress towards our goal to be climate positive in the years ahead, my hope is that Williams Racing can inspire all those connected with our sport and beyond, using motorsport as a catalyst for significant and long-lasting change."

UN welcome Williams sustainability commitment

In announcing its programme, Williams is the first F1 team to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.

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

"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.”