SailGP has shared its climate successes and challenges in its latest annual report.
The international sailing competition made strong progress in its ambition to be 100% powered by clean energy on-shore and on-water by 2025. SailGP delivered five events 100% powered by clean energy in Season 3, an increase from one in Season 2. A total of 236 tonnes of carbon was saved by powering its events by clean energy – the equivalent of shipping one F50 catamaran around the world 150 times.
SailGP also reduced its on-water support fleet carbon footprint by 13% per average event compared to Season 2 and minimised emissions relating to staff transport by 22% per average event by optimising its operating model, encouraging remote working and hiring locally.
Through its industry-leading partnership with global logistics company Kuehne+Nagel, the sailing competition reduced its freight emissions by 83% compared to Season 2 by eliminating air freight, opting for sea transportation, selecting efficient, low-carbon routes and in setting any unavoidable emissions through biofuels.
Sail GP also became the first sport to disclose its carbon strategy with the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) – an international non-profit organisation that works with companies and cities to manage their environmental impacts. Demonstrating SailGP’s commitment to accountability, transparency and continuous environmental improvement, the league achieved a B- score (rated A to D-) that it will aim to improve upon in future seasons.
Subscribe to Sustainability Beat for free
Sign up here to get the latest sustainability news sent straight to your inbox every day
SailGP challenges of reducing scope 3
Chief purpose officer Fiona Morgan said she is “incredibly proud of the SailGP in Season 3,” and highlights “great success in key areas, and despite increasing scope 3 emissions.”
The sailing competition’s scope 3 emissions currently stand at 98.01% of its total carbon footprint, with supply chain being the biggest factor. To address this, SailGP have launched a supplier engagement strategy with supplier requirements and improved data capture.
Social sustainability
The sailing competition has also highlighted its success with social sustainability programmes last season.
Its youth community, education and outreach initiative reached 14,665, breaking its target of engaging 10,000 young people by 2025, two seasons early.
It also saw saw continued progress in driving gender equity through the Women’s Pathway, with 26 female athletes racing in the SailGP championship across all teams, taking on different roles on the boat and gaining valuable experience.
