The Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps has been granted 3-star certification by the FIA as part of its environmental accreditation programme.
Achieving this highest-possible level of certification is testament to the Circuit’s commitment in relation to sustainable development and the various initiatives that have been implemented in recent years.
The FIA environmental accreditation programme is structured around the ISO 14001 standard and the priority thematic areas for motorsport stakeholders, such as energy use, water consumption, waste management, issues related to ground and water pollution, mobility, biodiversity, noise-emission management, and so on. The Circuit has been certified as 2-star since 5 October 2022.
Achievement of the 3-star label is the result of:
- The sustainable development policy of the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps and the linked action plan adopted in January 2024;
- The organisational chart with the identification of the Sustainability Manager and the environmental responsibility line;
- The "2024-2028 Strategy", a five-year investment plan approved by the Board of Directors at the end of 2023. This new five-year strategy is closely linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and thus defines the outlines of the Circuit’s sustainable-development policy.
More specifically, it will be noted that in these last few years, significant environmental safety projects have been completed: finalisation of the Circuit’s sewage/drainage system, the installation of hydrocarbon separators, the channelling of some sections of watercourses present on the site, making anti-leak devices available in the pits, and so on.
In line with the sustainability policy pursued by the Circuit, numerous measures have already either been implemented or will shortly be put in place.
The Circuit thus ensures an ongoing monitoring of its noise emissions. To improve this monitoring, the sonometers (sound level meters), including two located in the vicinity, were replaced at the start of June 2024. The overall noise emissions are controlled by a firm of engineers approved by the Walloon Region and are made public. In fact, compliance with noise-emission standards is a key challenge for the Circuit.
A new waste-sorting system was implemented on the entire site to sort and collect the four main waste streams: PMC (plastic, metal, and drink cartons and packaging), paper/cardboard, bio-waste and residual waste. This system is accompanied by a clear signage system using colour codes and logos that are easily understood by customers, service providers and spectators present at the Circuit. Furthermore, and over and above its legal obligations, the Circuit has proclaimed that reusable plastic cups be used and, henceforth, biodegradable containers for food. In addition, at the start of the year, the Circuit teams participated in the “Be Wapp” operation in order to pick up the waste in the area surrounding the Circuit. Over 15 kilometres of roads and tracks were covered with more than 60 refuse sacks and many cumbersome or bulky waste items collected.
During the winter of 2023-2024, the Circuit winterised its buildings, installed presence sensors and continued with the installation of LED lighting. These measures meant that there was a decrease in consumption of 115,000 kWh in less than three months.
In addition to the ban on using pesticides, chemical-based fertilisers and the practice of late mowing, the Circuit works with Natagora to analyse the biological quality of various natural spaces in the Circuit so as to put in place a development plan with the aim of improving biodiversity.
On the occasion of the leg of the FIA World Endurance Championship – 6 hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the Circuit collaborated with Le Resto du Cœur Liège to collect food surpluses from the various stalls as well as from reception areas. This initiative combined societal and environmental action while simultaneously helping people in need and reducing the quantity of waste produced.
Along with these actions and the construction work and/or renovation of existing buildings in the Circuit’s investment plan through to 2028, in the coming months the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps aims to:
- Construct a photovoltaic park where the production of electricity will be at least equivalent to the Circuit’s annual consumption with the installation of electric terminals;
- Install a waste-water treatment plant thus allowing the Circuit’s waste water to be recovered. A water-recycling system will also be coupled with this station.
Amaury Bertholomé, CEO: “We are delighted to have the actions undertaken by the Circuit in relation to sustainable development recognised by the FIA with this 3-star certification. The natural environment of the Circuit is truly a major part of its identity. Sustainable development is an integral part of our five-year strategy and this ambition is shared by our shareholder, our Board of Directors and all our collaborators. However, this certification is certainly not a culmination but a step towards further actions in relation to sustainable development. The Circuit has a responsibility towards its environment in the broadest sense of the term. We will continue on this path, acting not just as sporting infrastructure, as entertainment, as a tourist attraction but also acting as the economic lungs of the region.”
