W RACING TEAM AWARDED THE 3-STAR ENVIRONMENTAL ACCREDITATION BY FIA

W RACING TEAM AWARDED THE 3-STAR ENVIRONMENTAL ACCREDITATION BY FIA

24/07/2024

W Racing Team has recently been honored with the prestigious FIA 3-Star Environmental Accreditation, the highest certification offered by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). This distinction rewards the team's remarkable environmental management and commitment to sustainability. In just three years since launching its ecological transition through the 'Drive Fast, Act Faster' project led by former driver and friend Ferdinand Habsburg, WRT has earned this esteemed recognition.

The team has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, optimising resource use, and improving waste management. Achieving this top-tier accreditation requires a rigorous environmental management system that not only meets but exceeds the strict standards set by the FIA. The 3-star rating confirms that W Racing Team not only complies with existing environmental regulations but also continually strives to improve its environmental practices through innovation and excellence.

Recognising the significant environmental impact of motorsport activities, W Racing Team aims to be a leader in its sector for sustainable practices since its commitment began in 2022. Consultations with stakeholders were conducted to identify and prioritise issues, culminating in a discussion on December 14 2022, facilitated by its external partner, CAP Conseil, and its parent company, Weerts Group. This collaborative effort resulted in a group strategy with six axes, prioritising 12 subjects along with a comprehensive roadmap and an ESG development plan to align its operations with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.

Balancing Environmental and Social Responsibility

The team has set measurable objectives and monitors key environmental impacts related to its operations. Stakeholders and employees identified priorities through a materiality matrix focused on societal impacts, particularly emphasising environmental concerns such as CO2 emissions, energy consumption, logistics, research and development, and waste management.

In 2023, W Racing Team began regularly distributing newsletters on ESG topics to its employees. Additionally, the team organised training sessions, including the 'Climate Collage' in collaboration with Cap Conseil, to raise employee awareness about climate change. Regular ESG team meetings and monthly brainstorming sessions of the Green Team also facilitate the progress of sustainable projects. In 2024, WRT will focus on energy use, water consumption, waste management, soil and water pollution, supply chain, transportation, and CO2 emissions. The team plans to address additional topics such as biodiversity, noise, and air quality during its move to its new BREEAM-certified building at the end of 2024.

This state-of-the-art facility, consolidating six buildings into one, will include solar panels, ventilation systems, ergonomic workstations, a fitness center, and a padel court, prioritising both environmental protection and employee well-being.

In addition to its environmental and governance efforts, W Racing Team actively participates in philanthropic actions, supporting initiatives such as Make A Wish, the King Baudouin Foundation, and the Fondation Arthritis, its partner for the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. Three teenagers were invited to visit the Belgian team and experience a special day with a professional motorsport team. The Belgian company also works with local schools in Belgium and provides computers to vulnerable children. All these projects are just a small part of the various initiatives undertaken by the team.

The achievement of this certification by W Racing Team underscores the growing importance of sustainability in motorsport and reflects the team's proactive approach to environmental responsibility. This recognition places Team WRT among the leaders in the motorsport industry, demonstrating its commitment to environmental management and serving as a model for other teams and organisations in this field.

Kathleen Schurmans, co-CEO of W Racing Team: "We at WRT are extremely proud that our team has achieved the prestigious FIA 3-star accreditation. This accomplishment reflects the hard work, dedication, and team spirit of every member of our organisation. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our entire team and especially to our 'WRT ESG & Green Teams' for their relentless efforts. We also thank the FIA for their honest and supportive audit and evaluation process. Their guidance has been invaluable. This milestone is not only the pinnacle of our ESG achievements but a starting point. We are committed to continuing our journey towards excellence, sustainability, and innovation in motorsport, both on and off the track."

Vincent Vosse, co-CEO of W Racing Team: "I am very proud that our team received this award thanks to the involvement of all our departments under the leadership of Kathleen and her ESG team. This once again demonstrates that teamwork pays off. WRT has always aspired to be a pioneer both on and off the track, and we see the CSR regulations as growth opportunities. Motorsports can actually play a role as a laboratory in this transition. With this certification, we aim to prove that motorsports and CSR are compatible. We are determined to continue pushing boundaries and setting an example in our industry."