A1GP launches series of initiatives to protect environment

Mumbai, Aug 30 (UNI) A1 Grand Prix (A1GP) World Cup of Motorsports organisers today unveiled an ambitious series of initiatives to help reduce the series' environmental footprint.

Series organisers have pledged to tackle climate change using a set of measures to be known as ''Think Greener Racing.'' Measures announced include switching to bio-fuel, detailing waste reduction measures, the promise to carbon-offset unavoidable emissions and promoting environmental awareness through the series to a global audience spanning 150 countries, a release issued here stated.

''In addition to offering a great global sporting event we have a responsibility to conduct our business in a manner which minimises the impact of our operations on the environment,'' A1GP CEO Pete da Silva stated in the release.

''We take this responsibility seriously and aim to develop and promote environmental technology, differentiating A1GP from other global series. At the same time, our initiatives will educate our staff, partners, fans and the community at large about the ongoing fight against climate change,'' he was further quoted as saying.

A1GP World Cup of Motorsports will, from this season, use a 30 per cent bio-fuel ethanol mix. The decision to move to a bio-ethanol based engine was made possible through a partnership with Zytek, the series' engine manufacturer. The new fuel, an ethanol based product, is produced by the racing fuels specialist lender, Petrochem Carless.

Sourced from sugar beet in Europe and specifically produced for the A1GP series, the fuel produces less harmful particulate matter than conventional fuels and will reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. By implementing E30, A1GP are expecting to reduce CO2 emissions per car by 21 per cent this coming season, the release stated.

A1GP also unveiled a series of other initiatives as part of a new environmental policy developed with professional services organisation Ernst&Young.

This policy will guide the future direction of A1GP, establishing a set of core environmental principles right at the heart of its operations. The policy is based on a four-pillared long-term mission to reduce, replace, offset and promote.

As part of the plan A1GP bosses also announced a commercial partnership with Vectrix, a provider of zero-emission electric maxi-scooters. Vectrix will provide these maxi-scooters for use throughout the series, transporting drivers, staff and media around race location circuits, reducing the need for petrol-based transportation.

Alongside these commitments to minimising its own environmental impacts, A1GP organisers said they will look towards promoting environmental awareness across its fan base throughout the course of the 2007-08 season. This will be achieved with a combination of marketing platforms such as consumer displays, trackside and on-car signage, website and broadcast, the release added.

UNI