Formula E has become the first sport globally to achieve certification under the British Standards Institution’s (BSI) Net Zero Pathway, following a comprehensive independent audit. The certification confirms that the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has implemented science-based targets and a robust emissions reduction strategy in line with international standards.
The certification applies from Season 9 (2022–23) onwards and demonstrates that Formula E is aligning its operations with the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42:2022) and ISO 14064-1 for greenhouse gas reporting. These frameworks are designed to ensure transparency, consistency and credibility in organisations’ climate action efforts.
Unlike many organisations that rely heavily on carbon offsets to claim net zero status, the BSI Net Zero Pathway requires demonstrable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. It also mandates verified progress through annual audits and prioritises actions over pledges — a move intended to counter the rising concern over greenwashing.
Formula E has committed to cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 27.5% by 2030, compared to its 2018–19 baseline (Season 5). Measures already being implemented include greater use of renewable electricity, more efficient freight logistics, adoption of sustainable fuels, and waste reduction at events. The sport aims to achieve credible net zero emissions ideally by 2040, and no later than 2050, in line with the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework.
Julia Pallé, Vice President of Sustainability at Formula E, said the certification was a response to the shifting standards in climate accountability. “Recently, the goalposts have changed. Organisations have been making pledges without meaningful progress. Standards needed to reflect this,” she said. “Becoming the first sport certified on the BSI Net Zero Pathway demonstrates that our climate action isn’t just a promise – it’s a science-backed strategy, independently verified.”
BSI’s Senior Vice President for Assurance Services in EMEA, Matt Page, said Formula E’s achievement represents more than a technical milestone. “This is a powerful signal that when sustainability is underpinned by trusted standards and independent assurance, it becomes a system for lasting, credible change,” he said.
The certification positions Formula E as a leader in credible climate action within global sport, setting a benchmark for other organisations seeking to demonstrate genuine environmental progress amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny and public expectations.
