24h Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans has just taken a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) recently obtained a prestigious ISO 20121 certification as well as an FIA 3* environmental accreditation, the highest distinction bestowed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.
The ISO 20121 certification, originially development for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is now an essential reference for major global sporting events. It concerns the establishment of responsible management systems for event-related activities. This standard helps organisations integrate sustainability principles into all facets of planning and executing events while taking into account social, economic and environmental impacts.
The ACO continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Noteworthy initiatives include the development of hydrogen as an alternative energy, the “Sustainable Endurance Award,” the Garage École du Mans initiative, as well as several partnerships with associations such as Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque. These solid efforts were key in earning the certification which supports the transformative role of sustainability in the events sector.
The FIA 3* environmental accreditation is the organisation's flagship programme aimed at improving environmental impact in motorsport, providing a three-tiered framework for activity accreditation and encouraging clear and consistent environmental management. Achieving this accreditation represents the highest possible distinction, rewarding the ACO's efforts to measure and improve its environmental performance.
The ACO's CSR strategy, unveiled in 2021, is based on action. Since 2022, the ACO has opted to use 100% renewable fuel supplied by TotalEnergies, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. On 14 June of this year, the organisation was granted an ISO 20121 certification, an important milestone in the acknowledgement of its effort to organise one of motorsport's most iconic events in a responsible and sustainable manner.
This dual honour is the result of involvement by all ACO departments, underscoring their collective commitment to more ethical and environmentally friendly best practices. The ISO 20121 certification and FIA 3* accreditation not only reward past efforts, but also pave the way for sustainability and social responsibility as central focal points within every future running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
