Ascot Racecourse has become ECOsmart accredited, making it the first racecourse globally to be awarded this accolade for its sustainability success.
ECOsmart, an industry-specific accreditation awarded by Greengage, recognises organisations demonstrating a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability. Operating within the framework of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, a thorough assessment of Ascot’s sustainable processes resulted in Silver accreditation.
As a signatory of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework since 2022, Ascot 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.
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.
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.”
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Notes to editors:
About Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne. The first four day June meeting at Ascot took place in 1768, which became known some time after as Royal Ascot.
Ascot stages both Flat and Jumps races and has 26 race days, including Royal Ascot (now five days) which is Europe’s premier Flat meeting.
Eight Group One races (globally benchmarked championship level events) are staged at Royal Ascot. In total, 13 Group One Flat races are staged at the track, with three Grade Ones (the Jumps equivalents) in the winter months.
Typically, 600,000 racegoers attend Ascot over the year with half of those coming in June to the Royal Meeting, which is broadcast in more than 200 territories.
As well as world-class racing, Ascot Racecourse is also used as a venue for conferences, weddings, banquets, exhibitions, product launches and as a film set, with some 300 non-racing events staged annually.
The land on which Ascot Racecourse sits is adjacent to Windsor Great Park, covering 179 acres.
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.
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