Rubicon Carbon’s Post

There are never too many succinct pieces of clarifying synopses such as this one by Paul Abela. Nicely using Formula 1 as a metaphor for market liberalism, Abela makes the point that: 'society...doesn’t really care about sustainability; it cares about presenting an image that it cares about sustainability. What it can and can’t do is limited by actions that don’t require any kind of sacrifice.' And that, as Abela writes, is really the crux of the matter. The reason Western societies do not care about sustainability is that we worship the right of the individual to own the fruits of their labour. In this sick narrative, it is considered an immoral wrong to ask for sacrifice. How would we be sustainable when every individual is encouraged to attempt to maximize benefits that accrue to their personal property? Any sacrifice that comes to be here is due to some losing while some win. But, this artificial forced sacrifice through competition in no way places any limits to production, consumption, or accumulation. Abela writes: 'There seems to be a common consensus, within the West, anyway, that sustainability is all about reducing emissions by increasing energy efficiencies or reducing environmental impacts.' Precisely. Increasing efficiency does not in any way make anything more sustainable when the goal is to produce/consume ever more. All it means is that we can get more units out of resources. However, far more importantly - this is also something Abela touches on - what needs to be completely challenged is the Western paradigm concerning the social side of sustainability. Insofar as we do not curb the rights of the individual and stop our completely simian idolization of individuals , we are a society that doesn't care about sustainability. And that may be fine, not caring about sustainability. If that is what we want. But one should stop lying when it comes to sustainability: If one is committed to free markets, competition, private individuals as producers and masses as consumers, and practically unlimited freedom of the individual, then one is simply lying if they say they are committed to sustainability in any other way but increasing efficiency. However, increasing efficiency has nothing much to do with sustainability.

In the world of Formula 1, sustainability has become a growing concern. One of the biggest dangers to the sport’s existence is its impact on global emissions, with the sport’s travelling circus producing over 256,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2019 alone. A massive caravan of 10 teams, 20 drivers and thousands of workers travel around the world in the name of sport and entertainment. Close to 45% of the emissions come from road, air and sea travel logistics. Another 27.7% comes from the travel for F1 team employees and event partners. The cars themselves account for just 0.7% of the total. So, in 2019 Formula 1 launched its Sustainability Strategy, setting out the following ambitions: 1. To achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2030: including delivering 100% sustainable fuels. 2. To leave a legacy of positive change wherever we race. 3. To take steps to build a more diverse and inclusive sport by removing barriers, nurturing talent, and inspiring change. Recently, Ellen Jones, Head of Sustainability at Formula 1, said: “We’re now three years into our journey to Net Zero by 2030 and it’s fantastic to see the progress that’s been made already. The work that’s going on behind the scenes to bring this strategy to life is tireless and we are confident that we are building strong foundations for the future of our business and sport. Thank you to everyone across Formula 1, from our fans, teams, race promoters, and many more, for your efforts this year as we build a more sustainable and inclusive business. We look forward to working with you even more in the next year." To read the Formula 1 Sustainability Strategy, follow this link. https://lnkd.in/gNhWaYYD Closer to home, Sports Environment Alliance member Australian Grand Prix Corporation has introduced the Australian Grand Prix carbon offset program. Working with SEA Supporter South Pole, the public can donate towards environmental projects that support and create a positive environmental impact, including Savannah Burning and land regeneration. https://lnkd.in/gS_45mFE #SEA_theChange #noplanetnoplay #FriendsofSEA #oneplanetteam #NoPlanetNoPlay #PlanetMatters #NoPlanetB #Sport #SportandClimate #ClimageChange #ClimateChangeMitigation #ClimateEducation #formula1 #motorsport

Can Formula E lead the way for Formula One when it comes to sustainability? What do I think? Well… I guess you’d have to read my latest article! #formulaone #formulae #motorsport #sustainability https://lnkd.in/eTmTq8ZV

🚨 SPOTLIGHT: FREE KICKS* partner Racing Club is greening the game in Argentina with new environmental initiatives ⚽ Ranging from waste management, energy efficiency and awareness-raising, the initiatives serve as an example of environmental responsibility in football and sport 💥 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eVYqfsuc #EUFreeKicks #sportpositive #greensports #sportsforclimateaction #RacingClub #ArgentinePrimeraDivision #TorneoSurFinanza #LigaProfesionaldeFutbol *Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Exciting news from Formula 1 ! The sport has issued its first Impact Report, taking a closer look at how their business operations are impacting the world and their experience both on and off the track. According to Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO, sustainability is a top priority for the sport and its business operations. "It is no longer enough for us to simply deliver great action and wheel-to-wheel racing on the track," he says. "We need to ensure that we are doing so in a sustainable way so our sport can thrive long into the future." Formula 1 is committed to making a positive impact and we can't wait to see what steps they take next. #Formula1 #Sustainability #ImpactReport https://lnkd.in/gCt_b2fe

I have a great love for motorsport. However, I am aware of the pollution this sport causes to the environment and have closely followed the Formula 1 commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. For me, what I believe sets Formula 1 apart is their proactive approach to engaging with their extensive global network of teams, suppliers, and partners. By fostering a culture of sustainability, they are creating a ripple effect. I applaud F1 for leading the charge and inspiring others to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable world. https://lnkd.in/d7bNPe_2  

We are at WRC Promoter GmbH Rally Finland and yesterday, took place Secto Rally Sustainable Forum 2023 in Jyväskylä. This forum was held to discuss what motorsport (rally) can do to become more sustainable and more broadly how transport can reduce its emissions. Keynote speech was delivered by Shigeru Hayakawa, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota Motor Corporation. He explained the commitment of Toyota to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 but reminded everyone of the importance of keeping on the market various engine technologies in order to not leave anyone behind. Following this intervention, Henna Virkkunen, Finnish Member of the European Parliament took the floor. She highlighted sustainability is not only about the environment. Policy-makers should also look at the economics and societal impact when taking decision. That is why she is in favour of a technology-neutral approach when looking on how to reduce emissions from transport. A door should be left open for the inclusion in the legislation of CO2 in cars of e-fuels and biofuels. A panel discussion took place between Marc de Jong, WRC promoter, Martin Poplica from P1 FUELS, Alain Mathuren from FuelsEurope and Matias Henkola from Secto Automotive. Some of the key takeaways from this discussion was that motorsport is a place where new technologies are being developed and it can be part of the solution for reducing emissions. Renewable fuels are being used in the cars competing in the WRC Rallies. If these fuels work on these cars, they can work on any cars and they are CO2 neutral. The scaling-up of these renewable fuels is an important next step but a more favourable taxation would help. Today, these CO2 neutral fuels are taxed the same as the conventional ones. Another important aspect to consider would be the way CO2 emissions are calculated. At the moment, in the EU legislation, they are calculated at the tailpipe. However, this does not take into account the emissions from the production of the energy and the emissions from the production of the vehicles its components and its recycling. Adopting a life-cycle assessment would help us compare fairly the environmental performance of different powertrains depending on their use cases. For more information go to www.cleanfuelsforall.eu #cleanfuelsforall

#ESG litigation reaches Formula 1 as Alpine commences a claim against Ecowatt in the High Court https://lnkd.in/gmYtcN8N. In February Alpine announced it had entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with Ecowatt. The Ecowatt brand identity was set to be visible on Alpine’s 2023 challenger – the A523 – for the Formula 1 World Championship season as well as on the drivers’ and race team’s overalls at all Grands Prix. It was a strategic partnership with the objective to accelerate Alpine's net zero emissions target - https://lnkd.in/gFbW-3Fv

Formula 1, the highest class of international racing, recently released its sustainability strategy. The strategy outlines plans to transition to sustainably fueled hybrid power units on the track, 100% renewably-powered facilities, factories, and venues, and 100% waste reuse, recycling, and composting at events. By working towards net-zero carbon emissions, Formula 1 sets a precedent for other sports and industries around the world to follow suit. At BillionBricks, we share this vision, having dedicated our efforts to developing net-zero homes that are energy-efficient. We are proud to be part of the global sustainability movement and look forward to seeing more industries join us in the pursuit of a greener tomorrow. Discover more by checking out https://billionbricks.org/! #sustainabilitymatters #netzero #formulaone #billionbricks #netzerohomes #climateaction #onebrickatatime #netzeroliving #zerocarbon #greenliving #climateaction #renewableenergy #lowcarbon #carbonneutral #zerowaste #energyefficiency #cleanenergy #greentech #sustainablefuture F1 Experiences Formula 1 Formula 1 Grand Prix Red Bull Racing & Red Bull Technology Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team McLaren Racing Aston Martin F1 Team Ferrari

Finally the world of rallying is taking a clear stand on sustainability! 🌱 I was delighted to see yesterday WRC & Rallycross Promoters publish their ‘Sustainability Roadbook’ which sets out their commitment to a sustainable future, and presents a practical strategy framework where the diverse community of rallying stakeholders have each one a key role to play. Harnessing rallying for positive change not only affects motorsports but also the entire automotive and mobility industry. Rallying impacts certain key areas in relation to sustainability: climate change & natural environment, people & communities, and public policy & societal relevance. Rally championships can serve as test labs for innovations and technologies that benefit us all and bring positive environmental impact. The ‘Sustainability Roadbook’ also describes the rallying sustainability journey so far and the key future actions. The 5 key action areas are: 🌟 Climate 🌟 Biodiversity 🌟 Innovation 🌟 Responsible Management 🌟 Social Impact This roadbook got me thinking and watching the coming championships with a refreshed pair of eyes. There are so many even small things we can do while enjoying the sport. Inspired by this, I did also enroll to a new MOOC at the Aalto University, the ‘Introduction to Sustainability’, and I’m really looking forward to learning more 👏 PS. Finland is mentioned a few times in the roadbook and that means only one thing: ‘Torille!!’ 😎🏎🏁 #WRC #sustainability #motorsports #automotive #innovation