In Short : Nissan embraces sustainability with a revolutionary carbon offset drive for its Formula E teams. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of Nissan’s racing endeavors to environmental responsibility, contributing to a greener and more sustainable motorsport future.
In Detail : The Nissan Formula E Team, in a strategic partnership with the UAE-based software organization Coral, has committed to an eco-conscious initiative by collaborating with the biotech firm VAXA Technologies.
This collaboration is aimed at counterbalancing the carbon footprint accrued throughout the upcoming Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The alliance underscores the motorsport team’s dedication to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
Comprehensive Carbon Accounting
Coral, known for its accurate carbon offset solutions, has meticulously calculated the Nissan Formula E Team’s total carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e) for the 2022/23 racing season. The assessment encompasses emissions from travel, waste management, and energy consumption at the team’s headquarters. With an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, the team has pledged to neutralize 100% of its Season 9 CO2e by the year 2024.
Advancing Sustainable Nutrition and Emission Reduction
In pursuit of this ambitious goal, Nissan Formula E Team is procuring carbon offsets from VAXA Technologies, a pioneer in the biotech space. VAXA harnesses the power of Icelandic Ultra Spirulina (IUS), cultivated through a verified carbon-negative process, which transforms clean energy into nutrient-rich food.
Remarkably, IUS farming requires a minuscule fraction of the land and water resources compared to traditional beef production—facts supported by a recent study from Cambridge University.
The offsets acquired by the team will bolster VAXA’s Impact Nutrition ACTION programs, which aim to fortify foods in impoverished regions across Africa, Asia, and South America. Collaborating with esteemed NGOs, these programs seek to bridge the nutritional gap for those facing deficiencies. This innovative venture is projected to avert over 100 million tons of CO2e in the next decade and a half, delivering essential nutrition where it is most needed.
Strategic Partnership and Future Commitments
This endeavor to offset the team’s carbon footprint is a result of the partnership established with Coral in October 2023. Looking ahead, Coral will extend its expertise to help the team in evaluating and mitigating emissions for Season 10, employing cutting-edge technology like AI and blockchain to ensure transparency and accountability for each carbon credit obtained.
This initiative is in alignment with Nissan’s broader vision for carbon neutrality and the proliferation of zero-emission vehicles by 2050. As part of its Ambition 2030 strategy, Nissan envisions increasing the electrification mix for both Nissan and INFINITI brands to over 55% globally by the end of the decade. This is all part of a larger plan to foster a global ecosystem conducive to sustainable practices.
Moreover, Nissan Formula E Team’s commitment to sustainability has been recognized with the FIA 3 Star Environmental Accreditation for a second consecutive year, reinforcing the team’s dedication to CO2e reduction and environmental responsibility. The team’s involvement in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is confirmed to continue until at least 2026.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, expressed the team’s focus on environmental transparency and the assurance of offsetting all emissions with high-quality credits. He lauded the VAXA Impact project for addressing climate change and enhancing nutrition in developing regions.
Daniele Sileri, Founder and Head of Strategy at Coral, echoed these sentiments, celebrating the swift and impactful results of their collaboration with the Nissan Formula E Team and VAXA Technologies.
In conclusion, the Nissan Formula E Team’s concerted efforts, in conjunction with Coral and VAXA Technologies, represent a significant stride towards achieving their carbon neutrality aspirations. The team’s proactive approach is setting a precedent within the motorsport industry for environmental accountability and sustainability.