Sustainability News for 16th December: Introduction
Welcome to this week’s Sustainability News for 16th December, where we explore the bold actions shaping our greener future. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by climate challenges, but these stories are here to inspire.
From Formula 1 racing toward sustainability to consumer goods giants pushing for regenerative agriculture, and a coalition transforming frozen food logistics, it’s clear progress is being made. Let’s celebrate these initiatives and find inspiration for our own eco-friendly actions.
FIA Drives Sustainability Across Motorsport
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is accelerating sustainability in motorsport with bold targets and innovative strategies. Best known for Formula 1, the FIA oversees global racing and promotes environmental stewardship through initiatives like its Environmental Accreditation Programme, which helps teams and circuits improve their practices.
The FIA has pledged to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels) and is tackling major emission sources like logistics and race event energy use. Logistics optimisations include minimising freight volume and reducing reliance on air transport. For energy, permanent circuits are adopting renewables, while street circuits work with local authorities to implement sustainable solutions.
Sara Mariani, FIA’s sustainability director, noted, “The best way to address challenges is to keep working and deliver impactful results.”
Formula 1 teams are following suit, with carbon reduction plans, sustainable fuel innovations, and circular materials. These efforts go hand-in-hand with fan engagement initiatives, such as promoting public transport to events and leveraging sustainable tourism opportunities.
By prioritising decarbonisation and influencing stakeholders, the FIA demonstrates how even high-octane industries can adopt meaningful eco-initiatives.
Consumer Goods Firms Set Ambitious Supplier Targets
The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) is making waves with new sustainability goals for suppliers. These targets aim to reduce Scope 3 emissions by promoting renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and deforestation-free products.
By 2026, suppliers responsible for 60-80% of a company’s emissions will need to align with science-based emissions reduction plans and begin adopting regenerative practices. By 2030, companies should demonstrate scaled-up efforts and progress in sustainable supply chains.
Archana Jagannathan, PepsiCo Europe’s chief sustainability officer, explained, “Flexibility in these targets allows businesses to prioritise relevant sustainability issues while driving change.”
The initiative is part of CGF’s Towards Net Zero Coalition, with major brands like Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Diageo on board. It builds on other collaborative projects like the Open Supply Hub, which improves transparency by sharing data on thousands of suppliers.
By uniting businesses under a shared vision, the CGF is creating a framework to drive measurable impact while addressing global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. These new supplier targets showcase the power of collaboration in scaling sustainable practices.
Move to -15C Coalition Expands to Cut Cooling Emissions
The Move to -15C Coalition is reshaping the frozen food industry by lowering standard storage and transport temperatures from -18C to -15C. This seemingly small change could cut 17.7 million tonnes of CO2 annually—the equivalent of taking 3.8 million cars off the road.
Founded at COP28, the coalition has grown to 30 members, including Iceland, Emirates, and Compleat Food Group. The initiative leverages advancements in cooling technology to improve energy efficiency without compromising food safety. The temperature shift also offers economic benefits, reducing supply chain costs by up to 12%.
Thomas Eskesen, coalition chairman, stated, “Only through cross-sector collaboration can we address the complex challenges of frozen food supply chains and create a lower-carbon world.”
By aligning with key stakeholders, the coalition demonstrates how small adjustments in operations can lead to significant environmental and financial gains. It’s an inspiring example of how industries can innovate for sustainability while reaping operational benefits.
Wrap-Up
This week’s Sustainability News for 16th December showcases industries embracing bold change. The FIA is leading the charge in motorsport, consumer goods giants are transforming supply chains, and the Move to -15C Coalition is rethinking cooling logistics.
At Play It Green, we know every step counts. Together, let’s reduce our footprints, repair the planet, and support communities to create a brighter, greener future. Small actions today lead to big ripples of change tomorrow.
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