Royal Ascot took place last week and while the focus was on the winners and the fashion primarily, there was also a strong undercurrent of sustainability awareness.
The racecourse published five commitments back in 2022 which are a good guide to what we can all do within sport.
1. Reducing and compensating the climate impact of our activities
2. Managing efficiently our energy and resource use
3. Being a voice for sustainable operations
4. Progressing our community’s and our people’s wellbeing
5. Championing improved biodiversity
It also published some of the actions which it has taken:
Energy & Water
We use 100% renewable energy throughout the venue
The rollout of LED and motion detectors for 1,290 lights has achieved a 70% reduction in lighting energy consumption
In 2022, we produced our own solar power, which led to a site-wide photovoltaic programme being developed to convert thermal energy to electricity
We use green HVO-derived diesel to power generators, electric onsite buggies and battery-powered hand tools and lawnmowers
An on-site reservoir collects rainwater which is reused for watering the grounds and pressure washer cleaning
Hot water storage was reduced from 900L to 250L
Recycling and Waste Management
We’ve introduced a ban on single-use plastics
Our re-cup initiative sees almost 500,000 cups being washed and reused each year
Our partnership with Harrogate Water ensures a closed-loop plastic bottle scheme
Our partnership with Lavazza sees coffee cups and pods recycled
Closed-loop recycling means that all plastics and waste cardboard are recycled into other reusable materials and products, contributing to 0% waste to landfill
An ORCA food digestion system is used to compost food waste
Catering
Food packaging is made from plant-based, compostable materials
Our popular plant-based menus use hyper-local seasonal ingredients
Working with a dedicated team of farmers in Sussex, all produce is grown without using any pesticides or herbicides
The short journey from farm to fork minimises food miles
More than 2,400kg of excess food has been donated to City Harvest to feed vulnerable and in-need people across London and the South East
Biodiversity Projects
We have four beehives on Ascot Heath in conjunction with Plan Bee
Working with Wildlife in Ascot and House Martin Conservation, four nest cups were installed and used by breeding House Martins in 2022
Over 100 trees have been planted as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy campaign, and a further 3,727 trees saved from deforestation
A wildflower meadow at the Ascot stables encourages more pollinating insects to the estate
Sport for Business, in partnership with SSE Airtricity, has created a Sustainability Leadership Group. The group will meet to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration over the next three years.
Find out more and get involved.
Register your interest to attend a Sport for Business event here.
SSE Airtricity are proud partners of the Sport for Business Community.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
Find out more about joining us today.
Check out our upcoming events to discover ways of connecting in person with our membership.
