Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One (F1) Team has committed to a significant reduction in aviation emissions by investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) certificates.
With the ambitious target of quadrupling its emissions reduction by the end of 2025, the team is positioning itself as a leader in sustainability within the competitive world of professional sports.
The decision to invest in SAFc builds on the team’s previous success in 2023, where they managed to reduce their aviation emissions by 6,695 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) related to business travel. This reduction is no small feat and underscores the team’s commitment to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable professional sports teams. In total, the team aims to achieve an impressive reduction of 18,500 tCO2e over 2024 and 2025, with plans to save 8,000 tCO2e in 2024 and 10,500 tCO2e in 2025.
“We continue to invest in innovative solutions and technology that will enhance our performance,” said Toto Wolff, team principal and CEO, of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a form of renewable fuel used in air travel, derived from sustainable resources known as feedstocks. These feedstocks can include forestry and agricultural waste, used cooking oil, carbon captured from the atmosphere, and green hydrogen.
SAF liquid fuel is recognized for its potential to significantly lower international aviation emissions, making it a vital component of the industry’s sustainability strategy.
What makes SAF more sustainable?
One of the most compelling advantages of SAF is its ability to recycle carbon and turn it into a renewable feedstock for producing SAF rather than adding new emissions to the atmosphere. This is crucial in combating climate change.
According to the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), SAF could contribute to 65% of the emission reductions needed for aviation to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Aviation accounts for around 3% of global annual CO2 emissions but is considered one of the most challenging industries to decarbonize. SAF is expected to play a critical role in helping the aviation industry reduce its emissions.
Addressing Aviation’s Carbon Footprint
As the Formula 1 calendar approaches its flyaway races in Azerbaijan and Singapore, the focus on the environmental impact of air travel has never been more critical. “Aviation accounts for a large percentage of our team’s carbon footprint. Changing our mindset and ensuring we fly in the most sustainable way possible, is key,” according to Mercedes-AMG statement.
With a long-term vision, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The team’s multi-million-euro investment in SAF is a vital step toward this target, with expected reductions in air travel footprint for race personnel by nearly 50%.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recognizes SAF as a key technology for reducing future international aviation emissions. SAF is one of the means the aviation industry is using to reduce that carbon footprint. On average, SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. This substantial reduction is crucial to the industry’s progress towards decarbonization.
