Formula E: The World’s First B Corp Certified Sport

Formula E has been awarded B Corp Certification, becoming the world’s first sport to achieve the milestone.

The certification recognises the sport’s decade-long leadership in using its platform for positive change.

Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, says: “We didn’t set out to join a club; we set out to break the rules of what a global sport is allowed to be.

“B Corp Certification is the proof that we are driven by a different energy, one where elite performance and world-moving purpose belong in the same story.”

Achieving B Corp status

Formula E made the announcement at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, with comments from CEOs Jeff Dodds and Mike Fries.

By securing B Corp certified status, Formula E is working towards its mission to “Make Progress Thrilling”, which encourages the sports industry to to prioritise impact over spectacle.

It has achieved this certification through support from its partners, including ABB, Infosys, Google Cloud and DHL.

Julia Pallé, VP Sustainability at Formula E, says: “Becoming B Corp certified is a powerful recognition that electric racing can do more than inspire, it can drive real, measurable change.

“Formula E has always been focused on impact – not just pledges supporting charities or carbon reduction – investing in renewable energy and working directly with local communities in every city we race.

“By joining the B Corp community, we will collaborate, challenge each other and deepen our impact across sport and industry.”

Formula E’s impact

The announcement made in Davos follows the recent global launch of the GEN4 electric car.

This is the most advanced car in Formula E’s history, with 100% recyclable construction and 20% recycled materials.

The car is designed for racing at 200mph and is set for its race debut next season.

Formula E says the most critical elements for its B Corp certification were the strong social and environmental standards at race events, as well as meaningful contributions to local communities through its social impact programmes.

The company’s goal is to change the perception of EVs and accelerate the change towards electric mobility.

It operates as a testbed for many of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers – including Porsche, Nissan, Jaguar and Stellantis – to push the development of new technologies.

“Most see sustainability as a seminar or a boardroom box to tick;” Jeff says, “we see it happening at 200mph around a corner in your city.

“Whether it’s pioneering sustainable aviation fuel or engineering a 100% recyclable race car, we are here to show the world that progress isn’t just necessary, it’s visceral.

“This isn’t a milestone to celebrate standing still; it’s a license to go even faster.”

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable supply chain leaders should attend:

• Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE, these events brings together CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

What is B Corp Certification?

B Lab is a nonprofit network which certifies companies that are leading the way in terms of sustainability commitments and growth.

Its mission is to transform the global economy in order to benefit all people, communities and the planet.

The organisation has certified more than 10,000 B Corps across 102 countries and 160 industries, recognising their benefits to the environment and a sustainable society.

As a B Corp, Formula E joins the global community of world-leading brands and organisations including Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s and Danone.

Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, says: “Welcoming Formula E to the B Corp community marks an exciting milestone for the entire sports industry, while showcasing the increasing momentum and global reach of the B Corp movement.

“Formula E’s industry leadership and commitment to driving meaningful change recognises that success and purpose have never been mutually exclusive and that positive impact is possible for companies in any sector and of all sizes.”