Sustainability Insights from the A24 Autosport International Show 2024

This year’s Autosport International Show at the NEC not only showcased cutting-edge automotive innovations and thrilling displays but also played host to critical discussions on sustainability. Attendees witnessed exclusive live-action performances, interactive exhibits, technological advances, and engineering marvels across the entire venue.  

In the centre of the action stood the main stage giving fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the world of motorsports - hosting interviews with professional racers, former F1 team principals and industry leaders. 

Enovation Consulting were thrilled to lead a discussion on the stage with a panel of experts including Santiago Pena Gomez (WRC), Nagantethra Reddy (Extreme E), Ellis Spieza (Electric Racing Driver) addressing sustainability issues and the actions being taken to improve sustainability initiatives. 

The presence of a sustainability-focused panel at Europe’s biggest motorsport show is a significant indicator, that within the industry there is an increasing understanding of the necessity to improve current practices to ensure the future of motorsports is sustainable. 

Key takeaways from the panel:

Electric vehicle advancements:

The panel highlighted the significant technological advances that have been made in electric vehicle (EV) technology and the role that races have played in advancing EV performance and efficiency. 

Alternative fuels:

The panel explored the use of alternative fuels in racing to emphasize the importance of reducing the environmental impact of traditional fuel sources. Discussions referred to how alternatives such as biofuels and hydrogen are being used - not only for racing/logistics vehicles, but also to reduce the impact of onsite generators. 

Sustainability initiatives:

The panellists discussed various initiatives undertaken by racing teams and organizations, such as introducing scientific committees, ensuring a 50/50 gender split and collaborating with governing bodies to improve the environmental management of events.  

Sustainability Motorsport Index (SMI):

The panel marked the launch of the third edition of the Sustainable Championships Index (SChI). The index is the only global performance Index that measures and reports on the sustainability practices in two and four-wheeled motorsports against the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and the ESG framework. The panel emphasised its role in benchmarking sustainable practices across motorsport and its value as a tool for assessing and encouraging sustainability within motorsports. 

World Rally Championship (WRC) Sustainability Strides: The panel discussed the range of initiatives that WRC have implemented across their events, resulting in WRC becoming one of the SChI’s most improved championships. Certain initiatives that have contributed to the WRC’s achievements include its use of scientific committees to ensure the protection of biodiversity through water quality testing and the collaboration with the IUCN and UNSECO to develop a sustainable event management framework.  

Extreme E Leading by Example: Extreme E highlighted the innovations within their EVs, implementation of next-generation/ bio-fuels for onsite electricity generation, and their commitment to ensuring a positive legacy as examples of showcasing industry best practice. The series aims to pioneer and, inspire the entire motorsport industry to embed environmental and socially conscious approaches throughout the events they run. 

The next generation of motorsport: The panel were joined by 18-year-old Ellis Spiezia who is blazing a trail in electric racing. Ellis noted that the next generation of drivers still has the desire to go faster but is increasingly concerned with sustainability. This shift in mindset reflects a growing awareness and commitment to balancing speed with environmental responsibility.  

The inclusion of a sustainability-focused panel, discussing initiatives and progress within the industry, at an event where traditionally only the echoes and fumes of impressive engines is evidence of a shift in focus toward sustainability. 

The discussion of the SChI is a significant sign that the road to a more environmentally conscious future in the automotive industry is being paved.