Formula E, the electric car racing series, has “set a new sustainability benchmark” for the motorsports industry by retaining its ISO 20121 certification for sustainable events.

Certification was awarded following three separate surveillance audits during season five, which were conducted by third-party accreditation body SGS.

ISO 20121 was initially secured by Formula E in 2018 as a result of its commitment recycling and waste reduction. Its promotion of e-mobility and the positive effect electric cars have on the air quality of major cities was also taken into account.

Throughout last season, Formula E spent time working with its partners to increase its number of sustainability initiatives.

Allianz started providing hydration stations and water pouches (image below) within fan villages to slash the amount of single-use plastic used during races. Indeed, the initiative saved 200,000 single-use plastic bottles being disposed of during the season.

Formula E also partnered with Umicore, a company that offers a complete recycling solution for the cars’ lithium-ion batteries, and CSM Live, producers of recyclable track signage.

Ana Inacio, the SGS auditor, said that Formula E is “taking the lead in sustainable motorsports” and setting a “new benchmark” for the industry.

“Formula E has been embedding sustainability season-on-season – exploring new initiatives, engaging with local communities and suppliers, and applying robust impact assessments,” Inacio added.

“Working together with SGS auditors, environmental experts and our partners, we endeavour to enhance our efforts in trialling new technologies and rolling out sustainably-led initiatives in order to further reduce our footprint,” added Julia Pallé, Formula E’s senior sustainability consultant.

“We are continually seeking to implement the most innovative solutions available on the market to improve every aspect of our events and hope that this inspires other sports and organisations to embrace a similar approach in future.”

Read The Sustainability Report’s exclusive interview with Julia Pallé, in which she discusses Formula E’s sustainability plans for season six, here.