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    Panoramic view of sailing buildings
    • Case Study
      Sustainability

    Racing ahead in Sustainable Events Management - ISO 20121

    Athena Racing Ltd is championing sustainable behaviours in all of its operations.

    Testimonial

    “Partnering with BSI on our ISO 20121 Management System helps keep us honest and transparent.” 

    Jo Grindley CMO, Athena Racing Ltd
    Sailing boat GBR with Emirates sponsorship
    The People

    Heading for a more sustainable yachting industry

    Athena Racing controls Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, INEOS Britannia and Athena Pathway. INEOS has supported Athena Racing’s America's Cup team.

    While assembling its 2015 America’s Cup team, Athena Racing identified the importance of sustainability in all operations, including design, boat building, water processes, operations, and event management.

    The Challenge

    Setting course towards greater sustainability

    Athena Racing wanted to integrate design, technology and innovation to advance the sport of sailing while being mindful of environmental, social, and economic impacts.

    It recognized the need for a structured framework to ensure continual improvement and positive impact. Inspired by the high standards of the 2012 London Olympics, Athena Racing chose to pursue Sustainable Events Management certification from BSI. The standard was particularly appealing for its credibility, comprehensive approach to sustainability, and flexibility in allowing the organization to create sustainability initiatives to fit its unique business model and operational needs.

    The Solution

    A flexible and customizable approach

    As a collective sports group with varied sailing and educational activities, Athena Racing had unique challenges and requirements.

    The organization valued the flexible and customizable approach of the solution. It was able to reflect on the activities within the business, evaluate the sustainability impact and prioritize areas over which it could have a positive influence. With a clear framework in place, Athena Racing could implement additional practices such as creating a sustainability committee to drive progress and break down barriers.

    The Benefits

    Implementing ISO 20121 has helped Athena Racing to embed continual improvement in its operations and ways of thinking. Examples include:

    Hannah Mills, strategist of Great Britain SailGP Team, speaks at a Low Carbon conference alongside Roy Bedlow, CEO of Low Carbon.
    • Icon description

      Collaboration with its partner, Low Carbon, to generate renewable energy at race events.

    • Icon description

      Sharing learnings and releasing its Portable Off-Grid Blueprint blueprint for others to use.

    Stats & Impact

    Certification has helped Athena Racing to achieve significant successes:

    • Generating ~ 50% of daily energy use at INEOS Britannia Barcelona office from solar panels.

    • Switched boat craning machinery from diesel to electric alternatives.

    • 88% of materials used to build the 37th America's Cup base in Barcelona were reusable or second-hand.

    • Use of Portable Renewable Energy installation avoided 1.4tCO2e across 10 Emirates GBR team events.

    • Co-created inclusive internship programme to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups.

    Testimonial

    “This approach seamlessly integrates into daily operations, fostering a genuine commitment to sustainability that touches every aspect of what we do.” 

    Lauren Keller Sustainability and Impact Officer, Athena Racing Ltd
    Sailing boat during race
    Why BSI

    Providing strong foundations for Athena Racing's sustainability efforts

    Understanding BSI's role in the development of the ISO 20121 predecessor (BS 8901), Athena Racing was confident BSI's auditors would work around the team’s event-related operations and engage with the broader team using a tried-and-tested approach.

    Contact Us

    Join the race to deliver events more sustainably

    Explore the standard for Sustainable Events Management and change tack towards a more sustainable future.

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