Rally Australia’s environmental program claims another world first
Rally Australia, the country’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship, has claimed another world-first achievement in its environmental program.
The Paris-based FIA Institute for Motor Sport Safety and Sustainability, part of the world motor sport governing body, has confirmed the 2013 Rally Australia event on the New South Wales Coffs Coast achieved Carbon Neutral Status after offsetting 650 tonnes of CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Rally Australia became the first FIA-regulated event among all motor sport events worldwide to achieve the FIA’s Carbon Neutral Status.
Carbon Neutrality is the 2013 event’s second major environmental milestone, after it became the world’s first motor sport event to be awarded the FIA Institute’s Achievement of Excellence for sustainability.
Carbon emissions were calculated for rally-related activities, including fuel used by competition, official and spectator vehicles, airline travel, road and sea freight, event accommodation and energy use and many other factors.
Through the FIA Institute’s Carbon Management Tool, Rally Australia purchased carbon offsets that are being delivered in Australia through the protection of a Tasmanian native forest.
Rally Australia’s ongoing environmental program, managed by specialist consultant Colin Trinder, undertakes extensive measures to protect and preserve the local Coffs Coast environment and ensure the lowest possible impact from the presence of thousands of visitors attending the four-day event every September.
Rally Chairman Ben Rainsford said Carbon Neutral Status was a proud achievement for the event, stating "the New South Wales Coffs Coast hosts the World Rally Championship in a pristine, beautiful sub-tropical location, which we as organisers are dedicated to protecting and preserving.
“We are proud to lead the motor sport world in environmental sustainability.”
The next Rally Australia will be held from 10th to 13th September this year, based at Coffs Harbour.
Follow Rally Australia at www.rallyaustralia.com.au and the FIA World Rally Championship at www.wrc.com.au
Image: Rally Australia showcases the beautiful sub-tropical landscape of the New South Wales Coffs Coast to the world (M-Sport pic)
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