Karting's Sustainable Revolution
Paving the Way for a Greener Future
Karting is in a dynamic shift towards eco-friendly racing and sustainability and is adopting various sustainability initiatives, including eco-friendly materials, recycling programs, and carbon offsetting, fostering conservation and responsibility.
Data-driven Innovation:
Advanced data analytics empower drivers/teams, revolutionising race dynamics and enhancing competitiveness.
Comprehensive Sustainability:
Karting adopts various sustainability initiatives, including eco-friendly materials, recycling programs, and carbon offsetting, fostering conservation and responsibility.
FIA and SBF Leadership:
The FIA and Swedish Federation SBF spearhead sustainability efforts, promoting electric karting, implementing recycling programs, and advocating eco-friendly practices, inspiring industry-wide change.
Key sustainability efforts in karting
Sustainability in karting is still in its early stages, but the sport is making noticeable strides towards reducing its environmental impact. The shift to electric karts, alternative fuels, and more efficient materials, combined with better environmental practices at karting venues, reflects the industry's growing commitment to sustainability. These efforts are laying the groundwork for a greener future in motorsports.
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Biofuels: Some karting series and manufacturers are experimenting with biofuels, which are made from renewable organic materials, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Biofuels produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions during combustion, making them a cleaner alternative.
Alkylate Fuels: Fuels like Aspen R are being used more frequently in karting. These fuels burn cleaner, emitting fewer toxic pollutants like benzene and sulfur, and are seen as a transitional step towards full decarbonization in motorsport.
Synthetic Fuels: Companies are researching synthetic fuels, produced using renewable energy, to offer a carbon-neutral alternative to traditional fuels.
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Electric Karts: Electric karting is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered karts. Electric motors produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them an eco-friendly option, especially for indoor karting. Major championships, such as the Rotax E20 Electric Kart Series, feature electric karts, showcasing their potential in competitive racing.
Development of E-kart Series: More karting championships, like the Formula E Karting Challenge and other local series, are incorporating electric karts into their competitions, pushing the envelope for environmentally friendly racing at both grassroots and elite levels.Electric Karting
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Some karting series and tracks are exploring carbon offsetting programs to neutralize their environmental impact. This involves investing in projects like reforestation or renewable energy to offset the carbon emissions produced by events and operations.
Green Racing Initiatives: Karting events are starting to implement green strategies such as using renewable energy for events (solar panels, energy-efficient lighting) and reducing waste at race venues through better recycling programs.
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Energy-efficient Kart Tracks: Karting circuits are adopting sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources like solar power for track operations. Tracks are also introducing water conservation systems and improving waste management to minimize their environmental footprint.
Environmental Certifications: Some karting venues are seeking environmental certifications, like ISO 14001, which sets out criteria for effective environmental management.
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Many karting organizations are educating drivers and teams on sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, minimizing fuel consumption, and maintaining equipment for optimal efficiency. They aim to raise awareness about environmental issues among the younger generation of drivers, who may continue these efforts as they advance in motorsports.
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Efforts are also being made to reduce the environmental impact of transporting karts and equipment. This includes encouraging carpooling, using electric vehicles for team transport, and reducing the number of long-haul trips by optimizing event schedules and logistics.
Swedish Federation SBF chooses Aspen R for karting
Aspen R is considered a more sustainable fuel compared to traditional fossil-based fuels, particularly in motorsports, such as karting. Here's why:
Cleaner Burning:
Aspen R is a type of alkylate fuel, which is designed to burn much more cleanly than conventional gasoline. It contains very low levels of harmful substances such as benzene, aromatic hydrocarbons, and sulfur, which are typically found in standard fuels. This leads to lower emissions of harmful pollutants like hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide, making it better for the environment and human health.
Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependency:
Aspen R is formulated to contain fewer fossil-based components than traditional petrol, and it can be produced in a way that includes renewable or synthetic elements, though it may still rely on some petroleum derivatives. This reduces the environmental impact compared to fully fossil-derived fuels.
Less Harmful for Engines and Environment:
Aspen R is less corrosive and has fewer harmful byproducts, which can extend engine life and reduce the need for maintenance and oil changes. Its clean combustion also means that it produces less soot and deposits in engines, which indirectly contributes to sustainability by improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption over time.
Reduced Health Risks:
By emitting fewer harmful particles, Aspen R creates a safer working and racing environment, particularly in enclosed spaces or for mechanics who are exposed to exhaust fumes for long periods.
Aspen R offers a more sustainable alternative to conventional petrol, particularly in applications like karting and motorsports, where reducing harmful emissions and protecting engine life are priorities. While it’s not a fully renewable or zero-emissions fuel, it represents a significant step towards cleaner energy in motorsports and other small engine applications.
Sustainable motorsport categories
Several motorsport categories are leading the way in sustainability by embracing innovative technologies, alternative fuels, and environmental initiatives. Here are some of the top categories that are at the forefront of sustainable motorsport
Formula E
Overview: Formula E is the premier fully electric racing series, established in 2014. It features electric single-seaters racing on street circuits around the world. The championship is designed to promote the development of electric vehicle technology and raise awareness about sustainability in motorsport.
Sustainability Initiatives:
Fully Electric Cars: Zero-emission electric vehicles are powered by renewable energy where possible.
Net Zero Carbon Status: Formula E became the first sport to achieve a net zero carbon footprint since its inception, compensating for all emissions through carbon offsetting programs.
Recycling and Renewable Energy: The series promotes battery recycling, energy-efficient event management, and relies on renewable energy sources for races and operations.
WRC
Overview: Starting in 2022, the FIA World Rallycross Championship switched to fully electric cars, making it one of the first rally-based series to go electric.
Sustainability Initiatives:
Electric Cars: Electric rallycross cars deliver high performance with zero tailpipe emissions.
Green Energy: The series partners with renewable energy companies to power the championship with green electricity.
Circular Economy Approach: World RX is working on reducing waste and reusing materials, aiming to promote a circular economy in motorsport.
Extreme E
Overview: Launched in 2021, Extreme E is an off-road racing series that uses electric SUVs to compete in remote, environmentally sensitive locations. The championship focuses on environmental awareness and climate change issues.
Sustainability Initiatives:
Electric SUVs: All cars are fully electric, powered by zero-emission energy sources.
Environmental Themes: Each race is held in regions affected by climate change, such as deserts, glaciers, and rainforests, to raise awareness about global environmental issues.
Carbon Reduction: The series transports cars and equipment using a repurposed cargo ship, the St. Helena, to reduce the environmental impact of air travel.
Le Mans 24 Hours (FIA WEC)
Overview: The Le Mans 24 Hours race, part of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), has made strides toward sustainability by encouraging the development of hybrid and alternative fuel technologies. The Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) and Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) classes feature hybrid powertrains.
Sustainability Initiatives:
Hybrid Powertrains: Cars use a combination of electric motors and traditional internal combustion engines (ICE), reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Hydrogen Prototype: The ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest) has introduced the Mission H24 program, which is focused on creating a hydrogen-powered prototype car for future Le Mans races.
Biofuels and Synthetic Fuels: WEC is exploring the use of biofuels and synthetic e-fuels to reduce the carbon footprint of endurance racing.
MotoE (FIM Enel MotoE WC)
Overview: MotoE is the electric motorcycle racing series that supports the MotoGP World Championship. It was launched in 2019 and is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional motorcycle racing.
Sustainability Initiatives:
Electric Motorcycles: The series uses fully electric bikes, significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional motorcycles.
Eco-friendly Operations: The championship is working toward minimizing its carbon footprint through renewable energy usage and recycling programs.
ETCR
Overview: Pure ETCR (Electric Touring Car Racing) is the world's first fully electric touring car championship, launched in 2021. It aims to showcase the performance and viability of electric vehicles in a touring car format.
Sustainability Initiatives:
Electric Touring Cars: The series features electric touring cars with zero emissions.
Renewable Energy: ETCR uses a hydrogen-powered generator to charge cars, ensuring the racing is powered by clean energy.
FIA takes its responsibility in leading motorsport and mobility into a low carbon future to reduce the environmental impacts of our activities and contribute to a greener planet.
With the support of the world’s leading energy companies, we can combine the best technological and environmental performance. By developing fuel made from bio waste that can power Formula 1, we are taking a new step forward.
Jean Todt
FIA President
