Within the framework of the FORMULA 1 AWS GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2023, the Circuit will promote a wide range of actions within the framework of its 3C management philosophy in sustainability, integrating social, economic and environmental aspects. Under the slogan “Driving for a better future” with conscience, commitment and coherence, in order to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the UNEP Agenda 2030.
This year, moreover, the Circuit has started two projects to be highlighted; energy self-sufficiency and the installation of drinking water fountains.
The Circuit joins the current energy transition by betting on self-sufficiency, and for this reason it has installed photovoltaic panels on the roofs of the buildings, specifically in one of the central office units and the services and logistics building. A canopy has also been installed with a roof of panels that generate the energy to charge up to 6 vehicles right underneath.
Moreover, from now on, the Circuit will offer drinking water fountains in different public areas, as well as in the paddock. The aim of this action is to reduce single-use plastic, providing one more initiative within the framework of the celebration of the Environment Day (5 June) and joining forces with the UNEP, which this year aims at finding solutions to avoid plastic pollution.
The other actions that will be carried out as usual are as follows:
- 100% renewable energy and promotion of the use of sustainable generators
Since 2017, the Circuit’s energy is 100% of certified renewable origin, in order to always try to achieve the 0 footprint. In addition, this year the rented light towers will feature LED technology to reduce consumption. The generators that will help cover the paddock’s energy needs during the event will also be low-emission.
- Responsible use and consumption of water
Catalonia is currently going through an extreme drought, which has led to an unprecedented and exceptional restriction that limits the use of this scarce resource for essential needs. The Circuit has shared guidelines of conduct and consumption that prohibit, for instance, the cleaning of lorries at the venue.
- Waste management and circular economy
The best waste is no waste. The Circuit eliminates single-use plastic water containers thanks to the use of water fountains in all its buildings, as well as in the public areas. Moreover, the use of these fountains is facilitated in all the motorhomes of the teams that need them and in the paddock. Reusable cups are also distributed in the bars in the public areas to reduce single-use containers.
All domestic waste from the event is separated into containers for organic waste, packaging, cardboard, glass and oils. Furthermore, the efficient management of this waste is encouraged from collection to transport, in order to promote its recovery. With waste such as used tyres, the Circuit carries out circular economy actions, giving them another life with different uses, such as plant planters. Also with fuel drums, which are converted into rubbish bins made by Xarxa Ambiental, a company that seeks to integrate people at risk of social exclusion into the workplace.
- Stop Waste Food campaign and food donation
Raising awareness of food wastage to try to raise awareness among all those present by means of posters with the same message. In addition, teams can donate uncooked food. The Catalan track will once again donate these surpluses to a social organisation in the region, an action that has been bearing fruit for many years, with more than 15,680 kg donated since 2017.
- Zero KM products
With the support of all the catering suppliers, we promote Zero Km gastronomy, supporting local producers and craftsmen, with seasonal and local food. All the bars of the Circuit and the hospitality spaces also offer Zero Km gastronomy, with healthy and environmentally friendly food, in order to avoid long transport journeys and the consequent CO2 emissions.
- Connecting with nature: the Educational Crater Forest
Spectators can enjoy an educational forest, Educational Crater Forest, with an extension of almost 2 hectares, which has been sustainably managed since 2019. Since that year, proposals such as the Insect Hotel, the Path of the Senses, the corner of aromatic plants, the wooden snail or the hidden animal silhouettes have been devised. Explanatory posters illustrate the purpose of each action in order to educate the public on biodiversity issues. In the Educational Crater Forest, the Green Zone will be set up, an area with various proposals and activities for the little ones.
- Sustainability stand
In the public areas there will be two sustainability stands, the Sustainability Meeting Points, whose purpose is to raise awareness about the care for the environment and also to disseminate the sustainable actions carried out by the Circuit. They also display some environmental recognitions received by the racetrack. To be precise, there will be two, one located in the Green Zone and another behind Grandstand G. This second one will be completely new and of large dimensions, with a solar panel on the roof to self-power it.
In 2008 Circuit certified its environmental management system under ISO 14001-2004. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is celebrating now 14 years being a pioneer in this field. In 2021, the Spanish GP race was certified with ISO 20121, and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was recognised as the most sustainable circuit in the world through the study “Racing towards a sustainable future. A review of the sustainability performance of international racing circuits” by the Italian consultancy firm Right Hub.
The Circuit encourages all the people involved in the event to contribute to the actions for a sustainable management of this Grand Prix.
