Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is getting ready to host, once again, one of the most important sports competitions in the world: the FORMULA 1 ARAMCO GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2024, which will be held from 21 to 23 June. As it gears up for the event, a commitment to sustainability is once again a fundamental pillar for the Circuit, which aims to raise the public’s awareness of the importance of caring for and respecting the environment. For this purpose, the Barcelona track will have its usual Sustainability Meeting Points, located in the Crater Forest area behind Grandstand G, open on Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Under the 3C (Conscience, Commitment and Coherence) management philosophy – which integrates social, economic and environmental aspects – the Circuit works to act responsibly in its mission, Driving for a better future, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.
As a highlight, this year’s Grand Prix, which is ISO 20121 certified, will have an important new feature: the largest public self-consumption photovoltaic installation in Catalonia, which became operational last October. Since then, the Catalan circuit has had a total of 1,239 solar panels on the Main Grandstand, which generate 33% of the energy it currently consumes.
In addition, a further 1,080 panels will be installed on the roof of the pit box building, which will generate an additional 0.46 GWh of energy annually, making 50% of the energy consumed during the day self-produced, thus taking a step towards energy self-sufficiency and decarbonisation. This is a great step forward in the transformation of the Circuit into a world benchmark in the field of sustainability.
As in previous editions, there are many actions under way at the Barcelona track, including:
- Use of energy that is 100% certified from renewable sources to support the power supply.
- Efficient use of water in all services in view of the exceptional drought situation in Catalonia.
- Rental of low-emission generators in the paddock.
- Offering local and organic food at the catering outlets.
- Drinking water fountains available in the public areas and in the paddock.
- Presence of sunscreen dispensers and shaded areas in the public areas to enhance the spectator experience.
- Promotion of sustainable mobility with agreements with Rodalies de Catalunya and Sagalés. Also with electric vehicle charging stations inside the facilities (14), and use of electric vehicles by suppliers and Circuit staff for moving about the grounds during the event.
- Zero waste commitment:
- Adoption of the circular economy by reusing tyres as planters and reconverting petrol drums into litter bins in public areas.
- Recovery and recycling of waste from all waste fractions. Implementation of actions to minimise single-use packaging through reusable cups in the bars and the use of water fountains (available in the public and paddock areas).
- Donation of surplus food by the teams to the local social organisation El Xiprer.
- Biodiversity enhancement of the Crater Forest, where the Green and Kids Zone are located.
- Collaboration with companies with social value such as AuriaFil, a foundation for social inclusion, or BOSCAT, for young people in the Formació DUAL programme.
- Installation of two Punts Lila, safe spaces and information points regarding sexist violence, in the public areas.
The Circuit will also have a significant social impact, as it will host activities such as an interactive remote visit from children at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu through Awabot, as well as an educational tour of Monlau school, during which the mechanics students will receive instructions and advice from Formula 1 professionals.
Mobility on and off the track
This year, the Red Cross electric vehicles will facilitate the movement of people with reduced mobility within the venue, always accompanied by volunteers. In addition, there will be a special public transport programme to guarantee a fast, comfortable and sustainable journey to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, either by train (Rodalies de Catalunya) or by coach (Sagalés).
In order to access all the detailed information on sustainability, attendees will find several QR codes distributed throughout the facilities. For example, in the Main Grandstand, you can read about energy self-sufficiency, and at the Aramark catering points you can get details on food donations. Furthermore, the Circuit offers a free shuttle bus service from Montmeló train Station to Gates 6 and 7.
These are just some of the ways the Circuit encourages all the people involved in the event to do their part for the sustainable management of the FORMULA 1 ARAMCO GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2024.