Mahindra Racing announced that it is the first Formula E team in history to receive the highest sustainability accolade by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), motorsport’s governing body.
The FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme is aimed at helping motorsport and mobility stakeholders worldwide to measure and enhance their environmental performance. By introducing a clear and consistent environmental management system, it provides stakeholders with a three-level framework against which to accredit their activities. After initially achieving Two-Star Accreditation in November 2016, which was reconfirmed after an audit in December 2018.
Three-Star Accreditation translates as Best Practice. By awarding Mahindra Racing with the accolade, the FIA recognises that the team, which was the first OEM to commit to the world’s first all-electric racing championship, demonstrates best practice and commitment to seek continual improvement through the implementation of an environmental management system.
Mahindra Racing is only the second motorsport team in the world to receive Three-Star, in addition to McLaren Racing Formula 1 Team. The team’s news comes just days after Formula E, which becomes a World Championship for the first time in the upcoming season, announced it has become the first sport to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint dating back to inception. This announcement from the sport was also key to Mahindra Racing, as it means that the team has a net-zero carbon footprint on all race and test events, including freight, travel, event operations and race car production.
At the announcement Jean Todt, FIA President said, “As sustainable and responsible motorsport is a priority for the FIA, I am pleased that Mahindra Racing has achieved this milestone. Energy efficiency is in the DNA of the FIA and Formula E and this new step forward is another proof of our commitment to environmental best practice. I now urge the other teams to walk in the footsteps of Mahindra Racing.”
Jamie Reigle, Formula E CEO said, “Many congratulations to Mahindra Racing for achieving FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation. Mahindra is recognised for its commitment to developing innovative, high-quality mass-market electric cars and shares Formula E’s vision that accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles is critical to counteracting climate change. Back in Season 1, Formula E was proud to become the first FIA championship to achieve Three-Star Accreditation. Today, Mahindra Racing, who have been on the grid since our inaugural race, become our first team confirmed to have achieved this landmark.”
Dilbagh Gill, Mahindra Racing CEO and Team Principal said, “Sustainability is not a buzz word for us. It is ingrained into our ethos and a big part of the reason we are racing in Formula E; working to develop and promote cutting edge EV technology and to promote the ‘race to road’ programme to improve the next generation of consumer electric vehicles. Our parent company Mahindra Group is a pioneer in the development of electric vehicles. Formula E is an integral part of Mahindra’s vision to develop advanced yet affordable EV products.”
“Over the six years of the Formula E project to date, we have been working tirelessly not only on our racing programme and race to the road but on walking the walk, in terms of our sustainability talk. I could not be prouder of the team for the hard work and dedication, which has now resulted in this historic moment of receiving Three-Star accreditation from the FIA. 2020 has been incredibly tough and, for me, it is a special moment to be able to take a huge positive from the most challenging of situations.”
