Formula E Achieves Historic BSI Net Zero Certification in Sports

In a significant milestone for sustainability in professional sports, Formula E has become the first sport to receive certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) under its Net Zero Pathway, as announced on July 24, 2025. This certification underscores Formula E's commitment to environmental responsibility and sets a new global benchmark for credible climate action in the sporting industry.

The certification follows an independent audit that confirmed the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship's adherence to robust, science-based emissions reduction targets, effective since Season 9 (2022/23). The BSI Net Zero Pathway certification requires organizations to demonstrate a verified carbon footprint alongside a management system aligned with the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42:2022), a framework widely recognized for establishing credible net zero strategies.

Julia Pallé, Vice President of Sustainability at Formula E, emphasized the organization's long-standing dedication to merging elite motor racing with sustainability. “Since day one, Formula E has pushed the boundaries of what sport can stand for showing that elite motor racing and sustainability can thrive together,” she stated. Pallé noted that while many organizations have made pledges regarding carbon neutrality, achieving measurable progress is essential. The BSI certification highlights Formula E's commitment to genuine carbon reduction rather than relying solely on offsets.

The BSI Net Zero Pathway prioritizes measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across operations and value chains, distinguishing it from other net zero claims that may not meet rigorous standards. According to Matt Page, Senior Vice President of Assurance Services for BSI in the EMEA region, Formula E's achievement not only recognizes its technical accomplishments but also sets a powerful precedent for sustainability in motorsport. “This isn’t just recognition of technical achievement; it’s a powerful signal that when sustainability is underpinned by trusted standards and independent assurance, it becomes more than a goal. It becomes a system for lasting, credible change,” Page remarked.

Following the certification, Formula E has committed to cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 27.5% by 2030, using the 2018-2019 Season 5 as a baseline. The organization aims to achieve credible net zero emissions ideally by 2040 and no later than 2050, aligning with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Sports for Climate Action Framework.

The implications of this certification extend beyond Formula E, potentially influencing other sports organizations to adopt more stringent sustainability practices. As global standards for climate action evolve, the sporting community is increasingly recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability in environmental commitments.

With the growing pressure from stakeholders, including sponsors and fans, for credible sustainability efforts, Formula E's achievement may encourage other sports to follow suit. The initiative also serves as a critical response to tightening regulatory requirements, such as the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

As the sporting world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, Formula E's pioneering steps toward sustainability reflect a broader shift in the industry towards responsible environmental stewardship. The championship's strategy combines innovative practices, from maximizing renewable energy to reducing waste and promoting sustainable food options at events, ensuring that their racing activities contribute positively to the environment.

In conclusion, Formula E's certification as the first sport to meet the BSI’s Net Zero Pathway standards is a pivotal moment in the intersection of sports and sustainability. As other organizations observe and adapt, this achievement marks the beginning of a promising trend towards credible climate action within the sports industry.