Formula 1 recently made headlines by announcing its first-ever investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in a bid to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2030. This move represents a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of air travel and accelerating the adoption of more sustainable practices within the aviation industry.
So, what exactly is SAF? Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an alternative fuel for aircraft that can reduce emissions by up to 80% per flight compared to traditional aviation fuel. This reduction in emissions takes into account the entire life cycle of the fuel, from raw material extraction to combustion in an aircraft engine. SAF is produced from renewable resources such as agricultural biomass and used cooking oil, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Formula 1 has been working with key stakeholders to develop a minimum fuel standard for suppliers to ensure that the fuels used meet sustainable sourcing standards recognized and certified by the aviation industry. By investing in SAF, Formula 1 is not only mitigating the environmental impact of air travel but also supporting the transition towards a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.
One of the key advantages of SAF is that it can be used as a drop-in fuel, meaning it can be blended with traditional fuels and used in existing aircraft engines without the need for modifications. Formula 1 has been procuring SAF using the ‘book and claim’ model, whereby organizations can purchase SAF and ensure that it is used, although not necessarily in their own specific aircraft.
While SAF is currently produced in limited locations and scaling up its usage will take time, Formula 1 has been leveraging SAF to cover its chartered cargo flights through the ‘book and claim’ system. By investing in SAF purchases for air cargo, Formula 1 has already made significant strides in reducing carbon emissions associated with logistics.
In addition to investing in SAF, Formula 1 has been working towards reducing its carbon footprint across various aspects of the sport. This includes implementing remote broadcast operations to minimize equipment and personnel travel to Grands Prix, rationalizing the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar to reduce travel distances, and using biofuel-powered trucks for logistics.
Looking ahead, Formula 1 aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2030 by committing to an absolute carbon emission cut of at least 50% compared to 2018 levels. The sport has already made progress towards this goal, as evidenced by the reduction in carbon emissions through key initiatives such as the transition to renewable energy and sustainable fuels.
In conclusion, Formula 1’s investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel marks a significant milestone in the sport’s sustainability journey. By embracing more environmentally friendly practices and technologies, Formula 1 is leading the way towards a greener and more sustainable future for the aviation industry.