#Industry News
Ben Ainslie Racing achieves major sustainability first
Ben Ainslie Racing has been awarded the Olympic-inspired international standard ISO 20121
Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) has achieved a major sustainability first after being awarded the Olympic-inspired international standard, ISO 20121, for the team’s operations.
BAR is the only sports team in the UK to gain this certificate across all of their activities as they progress with their campaign for the 35th America’s Cup.
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The news came on the day Prime Minister David Cameron paid a visit to the team’s new headquarters at the Camber Dock in Old Portsmouth.
The base is being built to the BREEAM Excellent standard; with clever design meaning it will be energy efficient, having partnered with Low Carbon to supply the headquarters with renewable energy.
Ben Ainslie Racing sustainability manager Dr Susie Tomson said: “We are striving to achieve major sustainability objectives, with a light environment footprint, zero waste and minimal energy consumption.
“We also have significant opportunities for creating positive change through our community engagement, and building an innovative technical and design capacity and skills base. The America’s Cup attracts more media and public attention than any other sailing contest, and we can use this spotlight to lead change.”
The team is also working with their sustainability partner, 11th Hour Racing Inc. to achieve its goals in this field.
Other sustainability experts have also been involved in the project; including Dan Reading, sustainability officer of The Green Blue, the joint environment programme created by the RYA and the BMF in 2005 to promote sustainability across the UK recreational boating sector.
Congratulating BAR on their achievements to date, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I think when you are working at the high end of something like sport, providing that you can do that at the same time as meeting the highest standard in terms of sustainability is a great achievement.”
