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NASCAR commits to net zero operating emissions
NASCAR has announced its commitment to achieving net zero operating emissions by the year 2035, ahead of Earth Day this coming Saturday.
The announcement also coincides with the launch of NASCAR IMPACT, a new umbrella platform designed to align and advance the motorsport’s efforts around sustainability, community engagement and impact-drive social initiatives.
NASCAR’s plans include reducing its carbon footprint to zero across all scope one and two emissions over the next 12 years. This will be done through strategic investment, collaborative partnerships and operational changes.
The emissions goal was established following the motorsport company’s first comprehensive carbon footprint assessment, which was completed earlier this year. The study measured total carbon emissions from all NASCAR offices, owned racetracks, national series races and related operations in 2022. The results will be used to baseline future emissions reporting.
The assessment also inspired NASCAR’s sustainability roadmap and objectives, which include the pursuit of 100% renewable electricity at NASCAR-owned facilities and racetracks. Further priorities over the next five years include a new sustainable racing fuel, comprehensive recycling across offices and tracks, and EV charging station infrastructure.
"As a sport, NASCAR has a responsibility to serve and impact the communities where we live and race while contributing to a healthier planet."
NASCAR President Steve Phelps said: “As a sport, NASCAR has a responsibility to serve and impact the communities where we live and race while contributing to a healthier planet. With the support of our industry, NASCAR IMPACT will drive our strategic sustainability, community and social initiatives as we continue to make progress across these important areas.”
Progress will be published as part of an annual NASCAR IMPACT Report, which will measure the total impact across sustainability, community engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and other impact-related programmes.
The report will also include results and metrics tied to specific departments and functional areas, including the NASCAR Foundation, DEI, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, NASCAR’s sourcing and procurement and promoting supplier diversity, and a social responsibility arm that would oversee NASCAR’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Eric Nyquist, Chief Communications and Impact Officer for NASCAR, added: “Commitment and accountability are fundamental to NASCAR IMPACT and the vision we have for this platform. As we galvanise the NASCAR industry around our message and focus, and build upon our existing good work, the sport’s collective reach and impact will grow substantially over time.”
Image: Oleksandr Baiev on Unsplash