Extreme E recognised for top ranking in global sustainability benchmark in sports

The sport for purpose championship has been recognised by GSBS’s Corporate, Social, Environmental, and Governance performance evaluation. More than 300 organisations worldwide have been invited to the 2022 reporting cycle.

Among the 51 most influential and iconic organisations of the professional sports industry that were ranked, Extreme E placed fourth overall and second in motorsport disciplines – just behind frontrunners Formula E.

Ali Russell, Extreme E’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Receiving this global rating and recognition is a really proud moment for our series, particularly as we were measured in our very first season of racing in 2021.

“We could not have achieved this without the hard work that our team at Extreme E and its environmental partners put in. Our aim is not only to entertain our fans with exceptional wheel-to-wheel electric racing, but also showcase the solutions we can all be a part of as we promote a less carbon-intensive world.”

GSBS is an independent, global, not-for-profit organisation, which analyses and benchmarks the sustainability performance of professional sports organisations – using only unbiased, science-driven, and data-based methods.

Through encouraging professional sports organisations to deliver more transparent and sustainable behaviour, GSBS raises awareness of their impact and helps them to use their prominent position in society to fulfil their responsibilities as modern businesses.

Extreme E was recognised for its sustainability responsibility and approach to climate change - which ‘are at the highest level’ - above all else.

Christian Hartmann, Chief Executive Officer at Global Sustainability Benchmark in Sports, said: "Extreme E have impressed us straightaway with their dedication to sustainability and organisational set-up. The young organisation has gone the extra mile to provide us with the corresponding data and allowed us to paint a holistic picture. The whole team has played its part during our reporting cycle, and has ultimately been rewarded with a fantastic GSBS Rating 2022."

Earlier this year, Extreme E published its comprehensive Season 1 Sustainability Report, which identified the methods used to minimise its carbon footprint. The report also concludes that the series was carbon neutral by the end of its first year in racing.

Methods include the following:

• Using electric vehicles for racing
• Engaging fans virtually through innovative remote broadcast and social media entertainment
• Refurbishing a former Royal Mail ship, the St. Helena, to carry freight and logistics over air travel
• Using Energy hydrogen fuel cells which utilise solar and water to create electricity for powering the race vehicles
• Powering the paddock operations with second-life batteries
• Capping race team personnel to just seven people – two drivers, one engineer and four mechanics.