ENGAGEMANS – COMMITMENTS FOR THE PLANET

#CLIMATE

The first of the three areas covers the steps we are taking to combat the climate crisis. We adopted a sustainable development approach several decades ago, but we now have a clear mission: to contribute to a collective effort to reduce carbon emissions. We adopted a sustainable development approach several decades ago, but we now have a clear mission: to contribute to a collective effort to reduce carbon emissions. Our Race to 2030 programme aims to achieve carbon neutrality and a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. Our hydrogen programme is part of our vision and an example of our commitment.

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Goal: carbon neutrality
30% drop in emissions
the reminder is offset

In line with the CSR strategy announced in June 2021, Stéphane Darracq, general manager of the ACO, presented the 24 Hours of Le Mans’ carbon footprint. In 2019, the race generated over 36,000 tonnes of CO2. We identified areas of improvement and have set about achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, with the aim of reducing emissions by 30%. The project is known as Race to 2030.

As of this year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans field runs on renewable fuel, significantly reducing the impact of the race. The share of tyres and fuel drops from 2.5% to 1.4% of total emissions. At the same time, manufacturers are working on reducing tyre carbon emissions. Michelin has developed a tyre composed of 53% biosourced materials, currently being tested on the H24 prototype
RACE TO
2030
We have embarked on an ambitious carbon neutrality programme, including projects capable of capturing 25,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum by 2030.
Planting trees along the Bugatti Circuit and expanding green spaces is part of this effort. Since 2017, we have planted over 550 trees around the track. This carbon contribution programme will continue to expand in the years to come.
CARBON
CONTRIBUTION
The trophy was awarded to the WRT team in 2021, Ferrari AF Corse in 2022 and Porsche Penske in 2023. The aim of the award is to encourage competitors to focus on positive innovation and play a part in preserving the planet and its inhabitants. WRT’s Drive Fast programme, Ferrari AF Corse’s Act Faster ISO certification programme and Porsche’s extensive fundraising campaign in support of three charities are excellent examples to follow. Since 2023, all teams racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans are required to compete for this Trophy.
SUSTAINABLE
ENDURANCE
AWARD
The 24 Hours of Le Mans has long been associated with innovation. At the 90th staging of the race in 2022, the ACO introduced spectators to the Green Experience, a fun way of promoting sustainable development. Three interconnected initiatives – the Green Ticket, Green Challenge and Green Fan Zone – relayed the ACO’s social responsibility commitments to racegoers.

Hence, for the first time ever, a motor racing event urged spectators to travel to the venue on public transport (train or tram), by bicycle or in a low-emission vehicle (hybrid or electric). In 2022, 2,040 racegoers headed to the Green Experience zero-emissions kiosk to claim their “Green Ticket” and an impressive 6,700 took up the offer in 2023. Our club will continue to reward spectators for their ecological endeavours in the coming years and will step up efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the Fan Zones at the circuit.
GREEN
TICKET
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest plus Hydrogen = ACO H2

The ACO’s hydrogen strategy is part of our commitment to the energy transition, crucial to safeguard the planet. Several countries have recently launched hydrogen programmes. The ACO began exploring the solution several years ago and in the past few years, the club has been involved in the promotion of hydrogen as a safe, efficient, versatile fuel and a solution for zero emission mobility. The ACO H2 division is exploring two avenues: racing and mobility, from prototypes to HGVs. The planet needs defending from all angles.

Racing: MissionH24

Motor racing has always driven innovation. Race conditions are the ultimate test of reliability. Innovations are stretched to the maximum in terms of performance and safety. Their subsequent applications are often yes demanding! So, it is only logical to see the ACO introduce the automotive world to hydrogen. What better platform than the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

In 2018, the ACO joined forces with electric-hydrogen technology expert GreenGT to launch MissionH24, an ambitious project to see a class of hydrogen-powered prototypes in a position to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A world first! Creating a new class from scratch is a huge undertaking that involves writing a rulebook, inventing a refuelling system, planning and implementing a development schedule, and more. Several world class partners have joined the project: TotalEnergies, Michelin, Symbio, Plastic Omnium, Diestmann, Esssilor and Richard Mille. Some contribute expertise, others their views on strategy. All share the project’s founding values. The LMPH2G run by the H24Racing team – the project’s racing arm – is the first prototype of its kind to take part in the Michelin Le Mans Cup and to refuel thanks to the mobile filling station devised by TotalEnergies. The sleek machine emits just 0.6-0.8 litres of water per kilometre. H24, the next prototype built on the back of the LMPH2G’s experience, is designed for performance. At the same time, several carmakers are exploring the possibility of competing in endurance racing using the same zero emission technology. It is feasible to race the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a hydrogen-powered car. It has the required performance, efficiency and quick refuelling to hold its own again fossil fuels.
INTRODUCING
HYDROGEN
POWER
Mobility: H2Ouest – Leading the way

The ACO’s hydrogen strategy extends beyond the circuit. It applies to a broad array of everyday mobility solutions: HGV, vans, company fleets, public transport, rail, ferries, aeroplanes etc. Widespread green hydrogen production and use requires a distribution network. The ACO is therefore part of the H2Ouest project group with Vendée Energie, Sydev, Lhyfe and Le Mans Métropole, with the support of the Pays de la Loire regional council. H2Ouest is building green hydrogen fuel stations and production sites throughout the region. With support from local authorities, the ACO filling stationH2 led the way. Located near the aerodrome in Le Mans, the station currently supplies the local bus system, refuse collection vehicles and company fleets and will open to the public later. This year the race village was powered by H2 generators, and the organisers use a Toyota Mirai (hydrogen fuel cell vehicle) for business travel. Several projects in collaboration with start-ups are in the pipeline.

The ACO is working with the European Commission on the topic of hydrogen, contributing to local, national and international initiatives on refuelling, training, drawing up standards and raising awareness. Following on from the November 2019 letter of intention co-signed with FCH JU and Hydrogen Europe, we strengthened ties with EU representatives, namely Henrik Hololei (DG MOVE), Mauro Petriccione (DG CLIMA, who recently passed away) and the city of Le Mans received a visit from Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. As part of our mission, we offer fun educational courses, training and information sessions on road safety, environmental protection and the importance of low-carbon transport, starting now. Being passionate about cars does not mean being irresponsible.
Mobility
The French classic endurance race has an FIA 2-star environmental rating, and we are aiming to earn the third star in 2024.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans has signed a charter comprising 15 commitments, drawn up by the French ministry of sport and WWF France.

The Bugatti Circuit ranks fifth (3 “trophies” out of a maximum 4) in the Sustainable Circuits Index, which assesses the performance of over 100 circuits worldwide.

Last year, the Golf des 24 Heures was awarded a silver biodiversity label for the protection of flora and fauna on the course.
LABELS AND
CHARTERS

Discover our other pillars

News
Making a Difference locally

24h Le Mans15/11/2024

The ACO and MissionH24 at the European Hydrogen Week

In Brussels, at the exhibition center, from November 18 to 22, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and MissionH24, a program in collaboration with H24Project, are participating in this annual benchmark event ''European Hydrogen Week'', which has become a meeting place essential for European and international players.

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24h Le Mans07/11/2024

BrightLoop, technical partner of MissionH24

BrightLoop, a specialist in high-performance DC-DC converters with a decade's experience in motorsport, has joined the MissionH24 program. As a technical partner, BrightLoop shares the strategy of decarbonization, and more sustainable racing pursued by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and H24Project.

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24h Le Mans14/09/2024

Hydrogen on track at Fuji

The 7th round of the World Endurance Championship takes place in Fuji, Japan. The 6 Hours of Fuji has a particularity: the safari tour, which offers the opportunity for “classic” vehicles to race with certain racing cars that make up the FIA WEC field at moderate speed. A hydrogen vehicle has evolved on the track.

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