OUR COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The Racing Foundation is committed to environmental sustainability, which is a key area of focus in our strategy. Funding in this area includes the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s carbon calculator, an environmental sustainability course for horseracing professionals at the British Racing School, and the funding of a recently-appointed, industry Head of Environmental Sustainability, Katie Carr. Katie hosted a table at lunch at the 2024 conference and delegates were encouraged to join her to discuss horseracing’s progress in this area.

The Foundation addressed many aspects of our environmental impact in delivering the 2024 Racing Foundation Conference from energy to water, food, resources and waste.

Some of the steps we too kto reduce our environmental impact are:

• Venue – The Racing Foundation chose Ascot Racecourse as its venue for its 2024 conference due to its commitment to environmental sustainability. As part of their mission to operate at Net Zero carbon emissions, Ascot have implemented a series of measurable and robust operational changes across the entire venue that focus on the three pillars of people, planet and community. Ascot Racecourse was the winner of the 2023 Green Award at the Racecourse Association’s Showcase Awards, which is sponsored by the Racing Foundation. We are delighted that Ascot could meet the sustainability standards required by the Racing Foundation.
• Catering – The hospitality team at Ascot Racecourse developed a sustainably-sourced lunch for our delegates.
• Digital brochures – Again in 2024, physical brochures were replaced by digital brochures to reduce physical waste.

• Reusable Lanyards – Lanyards from the 2023 conference were reused this year, after being used for other industry conferences throughout the year. The lanyards, that replace plastic name badges, are made from recycled plastic bottles and manufactured in the East Midlands, producing 61% less CO₂ in their manufacture and distribution than similar items imported from China.
• Travel – Due to the networking opportunities it provides and the Racing Foundation’s aim to prompt collaboration, the conference was delivered in-person. Delegates and speakers therefore travelled across Britain and further afield to attend, including the keynote address Bob Langert travelling by air from the USA. The team discussed our commitment to sustainability and took advice from sport sustainability experts when making this decision, where it was agreed the value Langert would bring to delegates and the racing industry as a world-renowned expert in the conference subject justified the carbon emitted by taking a commercial flight. The carbon impact of this will form part of the event’s carbon calculation, along with delegate travel, catering, energy and other measures. Speakers and delegates were encouraged to travel by train or electric vehicle rather than by petrol or diesel cars which drastically reduces the carbon footprint of the event.