August 20, 2024
The 2024 JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion will set a new world record for carbon offsetting in rallying.
This year's JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion is believed to be setting a new world record for carbon offsetting in rallying, with 200,000 kg CO2e in total expected to be positively offset from this year's event. The estimated carbon footprint of all competitors, ticket-holding spectators, and mandatory organisers' vehicles will be immediately offset with Carbon Reduction Units for the first time.
The event, which has been awarded a stringent 2-star FIA environmental accreditation award, also won the 2023 MSUK environmental sustainability award in recognition of their commitment to sustainability.
Partnering with Carbon Positive Motorsport for the third year in succession, the organising team continue to lead the way with their visionary commitment to mitigating the rally's environmental impact. They have put in place an innovative and progressive roadmap for carbon reduction and will use carbon offsetting for the remaining unavoidable carbon emissions.
This year’s event will see another first, as it uses a new Sequoia and native broadleaf based carbon project, located in Abergavenny, as part of it's offsetting. The local project is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and Soil Association verified.
Carbon Positive Motorsport co-founder Paul Glass, who will attend the event as part of the Rali Engage exhibition introduced for this year, described the project: "The majestic Sequoia tree is the largest and longest living tree in the world, with some examples living for 3500 years, however due to climate change they are now an endangered species in their native regions.
"These trees have been planted in the UK for over 150 years and are particularly suited to our climate. They're fast growing and offer 10 times more carbon capture per hectare than any other tree variety. The project in Abergavenny is repurposing a former commercial monoculture tree plantation, and offers not just very long-lasting carbon offsetting, but improved biodiversity and actively supports six of the United Nation's sustainability goals."
Charlie Jukes, Rali Ceredigion Event Director, said: “This new global benchmark for carbon offsetting reflects the incredible commitment of the event organisers to increasingly mitigate the event’s carbon footprint every year as we work towards our vision for sustainable motorsport. We continue to use renewable HVO fuel, which reduces carbon emissions by 90% compared to traditional diesel, and are helping pioneer the use of renewable race fuels and green hydrogen.
"Wales has the potential to be at the forefront of sustainable fuel development and, with our event now part of the FIA European Rally Championship and benefiting from global exposure with action broadcast to 30 international markets, it’s an unrivalled chance to position Wales firmly on the world stage.”
Carbon Positive Motorsport ambassador Mathew Jackson, who will drive the event zero car said ‘'It's fantastic to see Carbon Positive Motorsport and the event supporting projects in Wales. Wales is an incredible place to go rallying with the amazing stages and scenery it has to offer. It is critical therefore we do everything we can, to ensure we not only conserve the environment in we use for our great sport, but to also improve it.
"Having projects based in Wales will help long-term supporters of events here, as they can now see the positive impact we can have on the environment, as well as appreciate the financial benefits these large events bring. We are here for the long term of the sport and the environment, and this is a huge step towards that."
Steve Smith, director of Carbon Positive Motorsport, added "We're very proud to collaborate with the amazing and hard-working Rali Ceredigion organising team. The event has seen continuous improvement - not only in terms of its environmental initiatives, but also in its ability to draw the European and British Rally championships in recent years.
"By prioritising sustainability and putting the local community at the heart of the event, we believe it not only attracts these prestigious championships but also the huge number of participants and spectators.
We're already planning how next year we can create an even greater positive impact, aiming to make motorsport sustainable for the enjoyment of future generations."
You can also be part of this record-breaking carbon offsetting story, by using our exclusive event discount code when you offset your event travel to Rali Ceredigion.
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