On the evening of 25 January 2025, the prestigious Motorsport UK Environmental Sustainability Award was presented to the Goodwood Revival, a fitting tribute to the event’s remarkable commitment to a sustainable future for motorsport. The award was collected by The Duke of Richmond during the Night of Champions ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of the sport’s leading figures, including drivers, volunteers, and personalities who make a lasting impact on the motorsport community.
The Environmental Sustainability Award, established in 2012, recognises exceptional achievements and contributions towards environmental responsibility in motorsport. It also highlights active promotion of sustainability through events, communications, and practices within the industry. The Goodwood Revival’s achievement in this area was nothing short of groundbreaking, as it became the first historic motorsport event to run its entire race roster on sustainable fuel in 2024.
This milestone is part of Goodwood’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. For the 2024 Revival, all competitors were required to race using fuel composed of at least 70% advanced sustainable components. This landmark initiative not only ensured the reduction of carbon emissions but also set a precedent for sustainable practices in the motorsport industry. The move towards sustainable fuels at Goodwood was gradual, beginning with the introduction of the first sustainably-fuelled race at the 2023 Revival, followed by two races at the 81st Members’ Meeting in April 2024. These “drop-in” sustainable fuels did not require modifications to the participating cars or bikes, proving their compatibility with historic vehicles without compromising performance or authenticity.
Looking ahead, Goodwood’s commitment to sustainability will only deepen. For the 2025 season, all competitors in both the 82nd Members’ Meeting and the Goodwood Revival will be required to race using sustainable fuel, marking a continued dedication to sustainability.
In addition to its efforts in the realm of motorsport, Goodwood Estate itself plays an integral role in the promotion of sustainability. The Estate, spanning 11,000 acres, is managed with a focus on preserving and enhancing natural assets and ecosystems for future generations. Goodwood’s continuous innovation ensures that the Estate meets the challenges of climate change with creativity and foresight, making sustainability an integral part of its operations.
Jessica Runicles, Head of Sustainability at Motorsport UK, praised Goodwood’s efforts, stating, “Goodwood’s decision to run its celebratory Goodwood Revival event on sustainable fuels truly showcases the estate’s commitment to future-proofing motorsport. This goes alongside the work they are carrying out across their venue to support sustainability throughout. A huge congratulations to the team, and we look forward to seeing what their 2025 event calendar has in store.”
The Duke of Richmond CBE DL, founder of the Goodwood Revival, expressed his pride in accepting the award, saying, “I was delighted to accept the Environmental Sustainability Award for the Goodwood Revival. We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in promoting the wider adoption of sustainable fuels by becoming the world’s first historic motorsport event to mandate their use. I’d like to thank all of our participating owners, drivers, riders, and preparers for their support, and we look forward to continuing to champion the use of sustainable fuels into 2025 and beyond, helping to secure a future for the sport we love so much.”
As motorsport continues to evolve, Goodwood’s efforts highlight the vital role the industry must play in ensuring its future is sustainable. Through its innovative approach to fuel use and environmental management, the Goodwood Revival has set an example for the entire motorsport community, demonstrating that sustainability and tradition can coexist and drive meaningful change. The 2025 event calendar promises even more forward-thinking initiatives, as Goodwood cements its place as a leader in the movement towards a more sustainable motorsport future.
