ENGAGEMANS – COMMITMENTS FOR THE PLANET

#CLIMATE

The first of the three areas covers the steps we are taking to combat the climate crisis. We adopted a sustainable development approach several decades ago, but we now have a clear mission: to contribute to a collective effort to reduce carbon emissions. We adopted a sustainable development approach several decades ago, but we now have a clear mission: to contribute to a collective effort to reduce carbon emissions. Our Race to 2030 programme aims to achieve carbon neutrality and a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. Our hydrogen programme is part of our vision and an example of our commitment.

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Goal: carbon neutrality
30% drop in emissions
the reminder is offset

We have identified areas where the 24 Hours of Le Mans’ carbon footprint could be reduced and have set a target of helping France reach carbon neutrality by 2030 by developing a strategy based on Measurement, Avoidance, Reduction and Contribution. To achieve the target, we aim to cut the carbon emissions of our flagship race by 30%.

This emission reduction trajectory is in line with the recommendations of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to achieve the Paris Agreement goals.

Meanwhile, we are also working on a carbon contribution programme in support of carbon capture projects to cover the remaining 70% of emissions. Planting trees along the Bugatti Circuit and expanding green spaces is part of this effort.
RACE TO
2030
In 2021, the ACO introduced a prize at the 24 Hours of Le Mans rewarding competitors’commitment to Social & Environmental Responsibility where the race is concerned.

2021: WRT – 2022: FERRARI AF Corse – 2023: PORSCHE Penske – 2024: FERRARI AF Corse

The award encourages competitors to play a part in preserving the planet and its inhabitants through positive innovation. Since 2023, all teams racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans are required to compete for the Sustainable Endurance Award as stipulated in FIA WEC and race regulations.
CARBON
CONTRIBUTION
The trophy was awarded to the WRT team in 2021, Ferrari AF Corse in 2022 and Porsche Penske in 2023. The aim of the award is to encourage competitors to focus on positive innovation and play a part in preserving the planet and its inhabitants. WRT’s Drive Fast programme, Ferrari AF Corse’s Act Faster ISO certification programme and Porsche’s extensive fundraising campaign in support of three charities are excellent examples to follow. Since 2023, all teams racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans are required to compete for this Trophy.
SUSTAINABLE
ENDURANCE
AWARD
In 2022, for the first time ever, a motorsport event urged spectators to travel to the venue on public transport (train or tram), by bicycle or in a low-emission vehicle (hybrid or electric).

Some 2,150 racegoers headed to the Green Experience zero-emissions kiosk to claim their Green Ticket. Numbers have steadily increased since the programme was introduced, rising to 6,700 in 2023 and to over 10,000 in 2024.

We shall continue to reward spectators for their ecological endeavours in the coming years and step up efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the Fan Zones at the circuit.
GREEN
TICKET
The ACO’s hydrogen strategy is part of our commitment to the energy transition, crucial to safeguarding the planet. Since 2018, we have been involved in the promotion of hydrogen as a safe, efficient versatile fuel and a solution for zero-emission mobility. The ACO H2 division is exploring two avenues: mobility and racing.
INTRODUCING
HYDROGEN
POWER
Mobility: Leading the way through H₂Ouest and AdvancedH_{2

Our hydrogen strategy extends beyond the racetrack. It applies to a broad array of everyday mobility solutions. Widespread green hydrogen production and use requires a distribution network and relevant training. The ACO is therefore part of H2Ouest and AdvancedH2Valley, two entities set up to deploy hydrogen throughout the north-west of France. We are working with Le Mans university and the European Commission on topics ranging from refuelling projects to education, training and standards.}
Mobility
Mobility: MissionH24 and the H₂ class

Racing has always been a catalyst for research. So, it is only logical to see the ACO introduce the automotive world to hydrogen. What better platform than the 24 Hours of Le Mans? Since 2018, MissionH24 – a joint venture between the ACO and H24Project and its crucial partners – has produced two hydrogen prototypes: the LMPH2G and the H24, the first hydrogen-fuelled car to race at Michelin Le Mans Cup level. The H24EVO will now pick up the baton.

This demonstrator signals the introduction of a Hydrogen class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the FIA WEC in 2028. Manufacturers have shown interest and unveiled projects built around fuel cells and liquid hydrogen combustion engines. Rulemakers are busy preparing the technical and sporting regulations for this future class based on these technologies.
Racing
The ACO and its flagship race, the 24 hours of Le Mans, were awarded FIA 3-star Environmental Accreditation in 2024.

In addition, the 24 Hours of Le Mans has signed a charter comprising 15 commitments, drawn up by the French Ministry of Sport and WWF France.

Last year, the Golf des 24 Heures was awarded a silver biodiversity label for the protection of flora and fauna on the course.
LABELS AND
CHARTERS

Discover our other pillars

News
Making a Difference locally

24h Le Mans15/11/2024

The ACO and MissionH24 at the European Hydrogen Week

In Brussels, at the exhibition center, from November 18 to 22, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and MissionH24, a program in collaboration with H24Project, are participating in this annual benchmark event ''European Hydrogen Week'', which has become a meeting place essential for European and international players.

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24h Le Mans07/11/2024

BrightLoop, technical partner of MissionH24

BrightLoop, a specialist in high-performance DC-DC converters with a decade's experience in motorsport, has joined the MissionH24 program. As a technical partner, BrightLoop shares the strategy of decarbonization, and more sustainable racing pursued by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and H24Project.

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24h Le Mans14/09/2024

Hydrogen on track at Fuji

The 7th round of the World Endurance Championship takes place in Fuji, Japan. The 6 Hours of Fuji has a particularity: the safari tour, which offers the opportunity for “classic” vehicles to race with certain racing cars that make up the FIA WEC field at moderate speed. A hydrogen vehicle has evolved on the track.

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