by Marius Matthee
Motorsport and Environmental Sustainability….what an odd combination, some folks might ponder! It will almost certainly be followed by reactions that will range from disbelief and raised eyebrows to encouragement and support. The inevitable, “Why is it necessary?” will surface sooner rather than later, but to answer this question we need to start at the very beginning, like all good stories
The world’s first documented motor vehicle competition was held in 1894. Over the next 120 years the sport would dramatically develop from events with single cylinder, tiller steered vehicles to a global hi-tech industry that encompasses various forms of automobile and motorcycle activities. One can argue that the world was a different place at the time of the first motor race and that those early pioneers were generally not concerned or even aware about the protection of our natural environment and resources.
During the last three decades, though, there has been a major global awakening regarding the environmental challenges our planet is facing. We are in a state of planetary emergency, with environmental problems threatening our well-being. Some of these environmental problems require urgent intervention to avoid catastrophic consequences. We cannot simply walk away from this, unless one lives in oblivion and in total disrespect of one’s natural surroundings and humankind. Sporting events worldwide are getting bigger by the day, but they are not exempt or guaranteed a cocooned life, free of environmental pressures and concerns.
Motorsport is a major constituent of the international and national sporting calendars. It attracts huge numbers of spectators and is an important economic factor in society. Unfortunately, there are also negative aspects associated with it. Aspects that need closer examination to develop a better understanding. Luckily, there is also good news, so dear reader, please hang in there while I will enlighten you.
Global Intervention
Following the 1992 United Nations’ Conference on the Environmentand Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requested all international sporting codes to support and eventually adopt a universal Environmental Protection Declaration. The Fédèration Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) subsequently asked all their member countries to adapt their statutes in order to give prominence to environmental matters. In recent years, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) also became a staunch advocate for environmental management issues in motorsport with the introduction of a programme on sustainability.
All mechanised sports are particularly subjected to scrutiny by both international and national groups seeking to minimise man’s impact on his environment. From this evolves perceptions and criticism. Rather than be apologetic and avoid issues concerning the environment, the world controlling bodies for motorsport decided to become a roleplayer in responsible environmental conduct. Not only to establish certain criteria to make the sport more environmentally friendly, through the planning and staging of events and the implementation of best environmental management principles, but also to set an ideal platform to launch new technologies for the automotive industry. Typical examples, that aim to represent a vision for the future and promote clean energy and sustainability, are the FIA’s Formula E and the FIM’s ePower championships respectively.
Providing Guidance and Creating Awareness
On the local front, Motorsport South Africa (MSA) immediately reacted to the calls from the IOC and FIM. They realised that, as South Africa’s motorsport governing authority, they needed to take responsibility and provide guidance to the different motorsport roleplayers, rather than to face potential scrutiny by external authorities that may restrict and jeopardise the future of the sport. This commitment would ensure that environmental, social and recreational values are maintained, whilst promoting sustainable motorsport events at the same time.
Eventhough a cognitive approach seems to be the norm by raising awareness about current environmental issues, usually through the provision of relevant information to individuals in order to change their behaviour, MSA also identified the need to adopt a contextual approach where pro-environmental behavioural change campaigns and learning should be considered. This will ensure long lasting change and must involve competitors, organisers and spectators alike. In short it comes down to “practice what you preach through actions that are visible to all”.
Sports people are some of the most influential individuals on earth. Through their behaviour, they may inspire others, both those that are directly involved in the sport and those on the outside looking in. By embracing best environmental practices and through environmental awareness sport can thus play a vital role in society.
Taking everything into consideration MSA thus became the first national Sporting Federation in South Africa and one of the first international Motorsport governing authorities to develop an Environmental Code in 1995. The Environmental Code was published the following year containing recommendations and responsibilities to be pursued at MSA sanctioned events, thereby developing greater awareness and understanding of environmental issues within motorsport.
Apart from being a reference tool concerning the protection of the environment in motorsport, the Environmental Code defines the actions that must be taken by organisers, venue owners and competitors to reduce their environmental footprint at an event. This also reinforces MSA’s aim to have a sustainable approach in the organisation of their events.
An MSA Environmental Panel was appointed which, as a specialist group, is providing the leadership necessary to ensure that all categories of motorsport under MSA’s auspices have a reduced impact on the environment. The MSA Environmental Panel is also responsible to implement the Environmental strategic direction of MSA and to ensure that all applicable objectives and actions from MSA’s Actions Plans are being addressed. The Environmental Panel has initiated several environment-related projects and campaigns over the past decade in order to raise environmental awareness. Most of these were event related and focussed on a specific target group. This varied from clean-up campaigns at circuits, environmental prizes for the rider/team with the cleanest pit area after a race, tree planting sessions that were linked with environmental awareness, radio talks, signing of environmental charters, advertising in race programmes, as well as creating an annual Environmental Award.
The MSA Environmental Panel’s primary duty is the training of Environmental Officers who officiate at every motorsport event in South Africa. The training and appointment of Environmental Officers remain a key factor to ensure best environmental practices at events. It is compulsory for race organisers to appoint a licenced Environmental Officer at each MSA event. Before, during and after events it is the duty of the Environmental Officer to monitor the application of, and compliance with, the MSA Environmental Code. The Environmental Officer is also the key person to advise the organisers on mitigation, how to reduce the environmental footprint of an event and to report non-compliance for remedial action.
The MSA Environmental Panel is further responsible for the development of training material and the hosting of seminars. Over the years, educational and environmental information material has been developed, specifically related to motorsport, which is easy to interpret and that is readily available. At environmental seminars, the aim is to encourage environmental awareness and best environmental practices, and by providing mitigation guidelines to all the roleplayers involved in the sport.
Can Motorsport Go Green?
Motorsport is regarded as being sustainable when it has a low environmental impact and delivers outcomes that are more positive for the social and economic welfare of society, compared to the resources it uses. The wise use of material and commodities are thus essential. It involves deliberate management intervention in all facets of event planning and execution, such that all resources are utilised in a way that promotes sustainable development.
The key areas of concern are waste, energy use, water, education, transportation, food services and noise. Specific guidelines for motorsport organisers and venue owners are in place to address these areas of concern. Before one can begin the environmental sustainability journey, one should make a commitment to sustainability within one’s organisation. This will ensure that all stakeholders are aware of what the organisation is trying to achieve and can assist the organisation to attain its goal.
The principles of sustainability may appear to be at odds with motorsport activities, but with proper planning several key areas can be identified and specific programmes and practices can be put in place to achieve sustainable development where both organisers and venue owners add to the environmental benefits. This could involve reducing the negative impact on the environment by conserving resources and thereby minimising pollution.
The Benefits of Sustainable Motorsport
Sustainability is about environmental and social responsibility, which are core values for any sport.
Organising sustainable events not only reduces their environmental impact, but can also directly benefit the main role players involved. The benefits of bringing environmental sustainability into a club or motorsport venue go beyond simply “doing the right thing” for the environment. It is common for sustainability actions to lead to cost savings. For example, finding ways to reduce waste, as well as water and electricity use will lead to a reduction in your costs. When one considers that we are expecting to see increasing costs for most of our resources over the coming years, finding ways to reduce these costs now is of much benefit.
One may also find that the added recognition and reputational benefits receives from “Going Green” may lead to increased sponsorship and other funding opportunities arising. Sponsors and donors often look for high profile opportunities to associate themselves with publicly supported causes. They may also be attracted by the chance to demonstrate their own environmental technologies, practices and achievements.
If planned and implemented correctly, the event can provide social benefits to the region by creating jobs and encouraging local investment. It can further act as a catalyst for encouraging environmental and sustainable best practices across the region, as well as to improve the relationship between the organiser and the local community.
Remember! Sport creates ideal opportunities to produce leaders for sustainability irrespective of the size and format of the event.
A Race Without End
MSA aims to be a leader among international motorsport federations in changing bad environmental habits and to set an example by acting and promoting sustainable practices at all its sanctioned events. In recent years, MSA has received much support and recognition at international level, from both the FIM and the FIA, for being pro-active and the groundbreaking environmental work performed, as well as from the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the Department of Sport and Recreation on national level.
Our lifestyle today is inextricably linked with the natural environment. The future of motorsport activities and more generally of human activities depends on the sense of responsibility each of us will take on.
Desperate times call for desperate measures to ensure perfect harmony.Like Shakespeare once wrote….”Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows”.
Footnote: Visit Motorsport South Africa’s website www.motorsport.co.za for detailed information about the Environmental Code, Environmental Documentation, Training Documents & Video and the latest Environmental News.
About the Author: Marius Matthee is a member of the FIM’s International Environmental Commission and also President of the Environmental Commissions of FIM AFRICA and Motorsport South Africa.