Chestnut Carbon, new partner of Mercedes in F1 to offset CO2 emissions
Formula 1 has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by working towards the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Mercedes announced a partnership with Chestnut Carbon, a company that will help it do its utmost to achieve this objective.
The Mercedes team has announced a new green initiative with the American company Chestnut Carbon, a reforestation project, as a biodiverse forest will be planted to help Mercedes achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
Focused on carbon reduction initiatives in the southeastern United States, the first partnership unveiled between Mercedes F1 and Chestnut Carbon aims to transform 200 hectares of degraded farmland into biodiverse forests, with the intention of planting over 260,000 native trees. Mercedes aims to become one of the most environmentally sustainable sports teams and plans to scale up its initiatives through this partnership.
Toto Wolff, one-third owner of Mercedes F1 and team principal, stated: « We are determined to lead by example. We are excited by the growth of our sport in the United States and we are committed to supporting projects in this country. […] This collaboration is an important step in our strategy to reduce emissions and our carbon footprint. It underscores our commitment to becoming one of the most sustainable global sports teams. »
Last year, the team had already committed to the climate by signing the Climate Pledge agreement. This agreement aims to enable the team to achieve its net-zero emissions goal. The team prioritizes a holistic strategy by minimizing its carbon impact throughout its entire value chain, from logistics to vehicle manufacturing. Initiatives include the use of renewable energies in its factories, waste reduction, and optimization of travel. The team is also exploring sustainable fuels for the future of F1.
The fame of the discipline, having experienced a spectacular rise on American soil following the triumph of Netflix’s hit documentary series Drive to Survive, has logically strengthened the American market in recent years. Three Grand Prix races held in the United States are now on the F1 calendar: the Miami, United States, and Las Vegas Grand Prix. This is the reason that prompted Mercedes, a European company, to contribute to a project across the Atlantic.
Chestnut Carbon allows companies to create projects that generate carbon credits to offset CO2 emissions. Mercedes will therefore not directly reduce its CO2 emissions but will offset them by producing forests that capture carbon and thus balance its accounts.
The objective of F1, as a whole, under the authority of the FIA, is to become carbon neutral by 2030, in 5 years.
