Congratulations are due to Ascot Racecourse ECOsmart accreditation, which is the first time a racecourse has been awarded this accolade for its sustainability success…
ECOsmart, an industry-specific accreditation awarded by Greengage, recognises organisations demonstrating a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability. The programme operates within the framework of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council whose thorough assessment of Ascot’s sustainable processes resulted in Silver accreditation.
Ascot is a signatory of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework since 2022. With this badge, the racecourse’s ‘Racing To Zero’ strategy aims to reduce and compensate the climate impact of our activities with the ambition of reaching net-zero by 2040. This latest accolade reaffirms Ascot’s unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility.
What are the key achievements for Ascot Racecourse ECOsmart accreditation?
Key achievements highlighted in the ECOsmart assessment include use of 100% renewable gas, the installation of solar energy technology, zero waste to landfill and a considered supply chain of local and ethical suppliers. Biodiversity projects span beehives, nesting encouragement, and wildflower meadows across Ascot’s vast green space, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainability.
Furthermore, Ascot Racecourse has made significant strides in optimising energy usage through the recent implementation of a Building Management System, resulting in a 70% reduction in lighting energy consumption.
Ascot Racecourse is also proud to announce its participation in a carbon offsetting program and the forthcoming establishment of its second reduced emission enclosure at Royal Ascot. Additionally, the installation of electric car charging points underscores Ascot’s commitment to facilitating sustainable transportation for its vast number of annual guests.
What does the Ascot Racecourse ECOsmart accreditation mean?
On Ascot’s success, Andrew Perolls, CEO at Greengage said: “Ascot Racecourse has demonstrated a comprehensive approach to sustainability across its entire operations. This ECOsmart award is very well-deserved and we’re particularly pleased to have such a prestigious new partner as the first racecourse over the line.”
Jonathan Parker, Managing Director of 1711 by Ascot said: “Receiving further credible recognition of our commitment to sustainable events is a great endorsement of the hard work of our teams to make such strides in the past few years. We are very proud to be the first racecourse to be recognised in this way, given the scale of work and dedication it takes for a venue of this size and stature to reduce its environmental impact so significantly.”
About Ascot Racecourse
The patronage of 12 monarchs has helped make Ascot one of the world’s best-loved racecourses and it remains a pillar of British sporting and social culture.
The epitome of British style and tradition, Ascot boasts 179 acres of grounds, 300 different event spaces and first-class dining across 8,000m², offering so much more than traditional racing.
With manicured grounds, superb facilities and a wealth of indoor space, the racecourse is also an ideal location to host bespoke private events, conferences, summer parties, away days, training days, meetings, product launches, exhibitions, weddings and exclusive Christmas parties.
About Greengage Solutions
Greengage’s mission is inspiring and empowering organisations to create the meaningful changes needed for driving a sustainable approach. ECOsmart certification, 360 sustainability consultancy and CO2 measurement combine to provide a comprehensive toolkit. ECOsmart by Greengage is the international certification widely used by hotels, meeting venues and other businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and achievement of recognised standards.
We have had a pleasure, over the years, to interview remarkable women who add to the longstanding success of Ascot Racecourse, such as Felicity Bernard, Commercial Director.
