Ascot Racecourse has become ECOsmart accredited making it the first racecourse globally to be awarded this accolade for its sustainability work.
ECOsmart, an industry-specific accreditation awarded by Greengage, recognises organisations demonstrating a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability and operates within the framework of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Ascot Racecourse’s ‘Racing to Zero’ strategy aims to reduce and compensate for the climate impact of activities with the ambition of reaching net zero by 2040.
Key achievements highlighted in the ECOsmart assessment include use of 100% renewable gas, the installation of solar energy technology, zero waste to landfill and a considered supply chain of local and ethical suppliers.
Ascot Racecourse has made strides in optimising energy usage through the recent implementation of a Building Management System, resulting in a 70% reduction in lighting energy consumption. In addition, it participates in carbon offsetting programme and the forthcoming establishment of its second reduced emission enclosure at Royal Ascot, as well as the installation of electric car charging points to facilitate sustainable transportation for its guests.
Andrew Perolls, CEO at Greengage said: “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.”
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 are 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.”
