The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has once again recognised the environmental strategy of the Nürburgring’s operating company and extended its two-star environmental accreditation until July 2028. This means the Nürburgring remains part of an exclusive group of racetracks worldwide that have been recognised by the FIA for their verified environmental and energy management. Numerous concrete projects demonstrate the forward-thinking approach taken at the world’s longest permanent race track: from large-scale photovoltaic systems, sustainable merchandise and efficient water use to forestry and comprehensive noise protection measures around the circuit.
As early as the mid-1990s, the Nürburgring took on a pioneering role worldwide in addressing environmental concerns within motorsport. At that time, an advanced environmental management system was established and certified in accordance with the EC Eco-Audit Regulation. This was followed in the late 1990s by the international ‘Environment Award’.
This approach has been consistently pursued to this day: since 2022, the Nürburgring has been environmentally certified by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and regularly undergoes rigorous audits by independent auditors. The FIA Environmental Accreditation Framework is regarded globally as one of the strictest environmental standards in the sports and events sector. It covers, amongst other things, factors such as CO₂ emissions, noise protection, biodiversity, waste and water management, as well as contracts, procurement and logistics.
“Receiving this award from the FIA once again is a testament to the path the Nürburgring has been consistently following for decades,” says Christian Stephani, Managing Director of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG. “We regularly demonstrate that it is possible to operate a versatile race track and event venue in a future-proof manner whilst simultaneously championing environmental causes.” For visitors, local residents and the flora and fauna, the results of this environmental management are evident in numerous concrete projects, both large and small.
Solar power and smart energy management:
The Nürburgring is committed to clean energy and systematic energy management. This is certified by TÜV in accordance with ISO 50001:2018 – an internationally recognised standard for the continuous improvement of energy efficiency. The aim is to record energy consumption transparently, identify potential savings and thereby reduce CO₂ emissions in a sustainable manner.
One key element is the increasing digitalisation of consumption monitoring. In various high-traffic buildings, meter readings for water, heating and cooling can already be digitally recorded and analysed. This allows for better analysis of consumption trends and peak loads, as well as comparisons between, for example, different events, seasons or the same periods in previous years. The data obtained thus forms an important basis for further optimising energy and resource consumption in a targeted manner.
Meanwhile, the Nürburgring has also become a major producer of green electricity in its own right. Most recently, a total of 510 photovoltaic modules were installed across the entire T13 grandstand. With this new installation, the Nürburgring now has around 20,000 square metres of its own photovoltaic capacity. Large systems had already been successfully connected to the grid on the roofs around the start-finish straight – on the ring°werk and the BMW M POWER grandstand.
In total, the Nürburgring thus generates around 1.4 million kWh of sustainable electricity per year. Depending on demand, the electricity generated is used entirely to power the Nürburgring’s operations. Any additional electricity required is sourced 100 per cent from renewable energy sources. Along the Nordschleife, self-sufficient solar containers also supply power to the camera equipment and LED panels used for the AI-supported track safety system. Together with the expansion of high-performance electric fast-charging points, these various measures are helping to further reduce the Nürburgring’s carbon footprint.
In-house forestry and consistent noise monitoring:
Since 2001, a comprehensive noise abatement plan with tailored measures has ensured that noise emissions at the Nürburgring are reduced. A key component of this is permanent digital noise monitoring. The noise levels of vehicles on the race track are continuously monitored in real time. All data from the noise monitoring and emissions measurements are also analysed by an independent expert consultancy. Clear guidelines apply to driving on the track: anyone exceeding the prescribed noise limits must leave the track immediately.
The operating company also takes responsibility off the track: the Nürburgring manages 154 hectares of woodland in accordance with the strict PEFC standard. This involves climate-adapted, sustainable forest management without clear-cutting and with a clear focus on biodiversity.
Circular economy, water efficiency and sustainable fan merchandise:
The conservation of natural resources also plays an important role in event operations. An established cup deposit scheme ensures that drink cups can be reused time and again. This saves around two million single-use cups per season. In collaboration with the waste management company REMONDIS, waste generated is also returned to the economic cycle through recycling, reuse or energy recovery.
The Nürburgring also relies on efficient solutions when it comes to water consumption. Water-saving sanitary facilities are used, amongst other places, in heavily frequented buildings and in the Grand Prix paddock. Some of the rainwater collected is used to flush toilets in the area around the Main Stand and the ring°boulevard.
At major events, modern sanitary camps featuring vacuum technology are also deployed. This technology can reduce water consumption by up to 90 per cent. In addition, greywater from showers and washbasins can be reused to flush the vacuum toilets.
Sustainability also plays an important role in fan merchandise: around half of the entire range of merchandise in the official Nürburgring shop – from T-shirts to hoodies – is already produced in accordance with recognised sustainability standards such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®.
Graphic: FIA