Ascot becomes first ECOsmart accredited racecourse for sustainability
Ascot Racecourse has been ECOsmart accredited, becoming the first racecourse globally to receive the accolade.
ECOsmart, an industry accreditation awarded by Greengage, recognises organisations demonstrating a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability.
Operating within the framework of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, a thorough assessment of Ascot’s sustainable processes resulted in Silver accreditation.
As a signatory of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework since 2022, Ascot Racecourse’s ‘Racing to Zero’ strategy aims to reduce and compensate the climate impact of its activities, with the ambition of reaching net zero by 2040.
The ECOsmart assessment highlighted Ascot’s use of 100 per cent renewable gas, the installation of solar energy technology, its zero waste to landfill policy, and a considered supply chain of local and ethical suppliers.
Biodiversity projects at the course include beehives, nesting encouragement and wildflower meadows.
Ascot has also recently implemented a building management system, resulting in a 70 per cent reduction in lighting energy consumption.
And a second reduced emission enclosure is soon to be established, along with new electric car charging points.
Jonathan Parker, managing director of 1711 by Ascot, said: “Receiving further credible recognition of our commitment to sustainable events is a great endorsement of the hard work of our teams to make such strides in the past few years.
“We’re very proud to be the first racecourse to be recognised in this way, given the scale of work and dedication it takes for a venue of this size and stature to reduce its environmental impact so significantly.”
Andrew Perolls, CEO of Greengage, added: “Ascot Racecourse has demonstrated a comprehensive approach to sustainability across its entire operations.
“This ECOsmart award is very well-deserved and we’re particularly pleased to have such a prestigious new partner as the first racecourse over the line.”
