Mercedes release latest sustainability report as they set target to become ‘one of the most sustainable global professional sports teams’

Mercedes have released their latest sustainability report, detailing the F1 team’s progress in 2023 and the steps taken last season to stay on track with their ambitious sustainability commitments – as Formula 1 continues its journey to becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030.

Formula 1 is working with all 10 teams, race promoters, partners, suppliers, broadcasters and the FIA to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint.

As part of that work, Mercedes’ report sets out the outfit’s plans to build on their achievements – with Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff stating that the squad’s aim is to become “one of the most sustainable global professional sports teams”.

READ MORE: F1 makes ‘significant progress’ in sustainability as first Impact Report released

Formula 1 released its first Impact Report earlier this year, revealing that the sport is on target to meet the goals set out in its 2019 sustainability strategy.

The comprehensive report showed how the strategy is being successfully delivered through F1’s ESG activities, with the latest carbon footprint calculations showing a 13% reduction in the sport’s carbon footprint compared to 2018.

The key takeaways from Mercedes’ 2023 sustainability report are:

Environment

• 10% overall reduction in market-based Race Team Control emissions with SAFc (Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates) vs 2022.
• 6,695 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) reduction in business travel emissions in 2023 through use of SAFc.
• 67% reduction in emissions and 339 tCO2e saved through use of HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) biofuel across European season in race and hospitality trucks and generators.
• Over 5,650 lift sharing journeys to and from our Brackley campus.
• 100% renewable electricity maintained through purchase of REGOs (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin).

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Social

• Exceeded target of 25% of new hires from under-represented groups every year since 2021.
• Successful year of activations with our Accelerate 25 partners.
• Gender Pay Gap reduced to 13.4% median and 23.2% mean.
• LGBTQ+ Forum and Working Family Network set up by our team members.
• Mental health charity Mind elected our Official Team Charity Partner.
• Over 100 international, national, and local charitable causes supported.
• STEM grants provided to five of our local Brackley schools.
• 89% team member engagement with annual Health Assessments.

Governance

• Governance, Ethics and Compliance Framework implemented.
• Integrity Code published.
• Governance Working Group established.
• Whistleblowing policy and platform implemented.
• Enhanced due diligence platform and processes.
• Contract management platform launched.

2023 saw Formula 1 become the first motorsport championship in the world to have all member teams achieve the same FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation, the highest level of environmental sustainability recognition from the sport’s governing body.

On his team’s sustainability report, Toto Wolff said: “As a Formula 1 team our efforts are judged by millions every time we go racing. Every race, every practice, and every test, sharpen the mind and help us chase every millisecond.

“Although we report annually on our sustainability progress, the commitment to optimise our operations and pursue sustainable high performance is always front of mind. Just like on track, we aim to improve our performance in every area, and our annual Sustainability Report serves as a reminder of everything that's happening behind the scenes.

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“Yes, we report on our results - our footprint; our demographics; our codes and policies but it's much more than that - it's about our people; their collective power and our impact on the world within and beyond motorsport.

“This reaches well beyond what we must do; it's about our innovation and what we can achieve by inspiring others to follow. We are privileged to work in a sport that demands high-performance teamwork, technology, and innovation. We have a responsibility to harness those elements, as well as our people and our global platform, to go further faster. It matters to me, our team members, our partners and, importantly, fans of our sport.

“Ultimately, our ambition is to become one of the most sustainable global professional sports teams. It's a long-term goal but an important one; we set ourselves big challenges and recognise that it will take all of us to get there."

The full report can be viewed by clicking here.