Mahindra Racing has become the first Formula E team to be accredited by the FIA Institute’s Sustainability Programme.

The initative is “aimed at helping motorsport stakeholders worldwide to measure and enhance their environmental performance” by introducing “clear and consistent environmental management into motorsport and provides stakeholders with a framework against which to accredit their activities”.

Following a review by the FIA Institute, Mahindra has become just the second racing team gloablly to be accredited for the programme (after McLaren F1) and the first in Formula E; the team is planning to become carbon neutral by 2018.

“Auditors were impressed by Mahindra Racing’s commitment to minimising its environmental impact through a strong environmental policy and specific improvement targets,” a statement from the team reads. “The team has been encouraged to monitor and implement the current routines in an efficient manner to help attain the highest level of accreditation, Achievement of Excellence. Based on its recent assessment, auditors are confident the team could achieve this objective.”

In real terms, Mahindra boss Dilbagh Gill revealed that the team has been working to reduce waste. This includes using a simpler garage structure at races in order to reduce freight, which saves on carbon emissions. “We’ve been working really hard,” Gill said today in a press conferece ahead of the Marrakesh Formula E race. “We’ve been looking at every bit of our operation to try and see where we can reduce waste. We’ve reduced weight for freight. Wastage in every process have been improved and that’s what the FIA has looked at, our processes.”

“As the first Formula E team to become accredited in the initiative, I congratulate Mahindra for its efforts and commitment to sustainability,” said Garry Connelly, environmental ambassador at the FIA. “As ever when it comes to the environment there is always more that we can do and I encourage the other teams in the all-electric series to follow the example set by Mahindra and sign up to join the programme.”

Gill added in the official statement: “This is something that we genuinely believe in at Mahindra. Environmental sustainability requires a good system of practices and it is part of the ethos in our wider organisation. As Mahindra Racing, the youngest arm of the Mahindra Group, we look forward to working towards attaining the top level of Sustainability Accreditation and further underlining our position as one of the most progressive Formula E teams.”

Luke Smith