Certified Sustainable: Silverstone has achieved ISO 20121: international best-practice for sustainable events

Silverstone, the UK’s most iconic motorsport venue and a premier destination for unforgettable events and experiences, has achieved ISO 20121 certification. This is an internationally recognised standard for Event Sustainability Management Systems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering environmentally responsible, socially conscious, and economically sustainable events.

ISO 20121 provides a robust framework for organisations to manage the social, economic, and environmental impacts of their activities. By earning this external certification, Silverstone demonstrates that sustainability is embedded at every stage of its event planning and delivery processes — from supplier selection and waste management to stakeholder engagement and legacy impact. In 2025, at the British Grand Prix, improved processes and planning helped us achieve a 58% recycling rate — up from 44% in 2024. At Silverstone Festival 2025, we upskilled seven of our incredible Race Makers — Silverstone volunteers — to engage fans on sustainability, educating them about the initiatives Silverstone is implementing and what they can do at home to make a difference.

The certification process involved a comprehensive audit of Silverstone’s policies, operations, risk management procedures, and continuous improvement strategies.  As clients and stakeholders increasingly prioritise sustainability, the ISO 20121 certification positions Silverstone at the forefront of responsible event delivery. With Enovation Consulting’s expert support, this certification will continue to position responsible event delivery at the forefront of everything we do. Going forwards, we will continue to drive sustainable events through ambitious goal-setting and innovative partnerships.

Dr. Cristiana Pace, Founder & CEO of Enovation Consulting: “We congratulate the whole team at Silverstone Circuit for achieving the ISO 20121 certification, reflecting their consistent long-term commitment to integrating sustainability principles into operational decision making. Over the past four years, we have worked hand in hand with the Silverstone ESG Team to create and implement the Shift to Zero Strategy, including support with the ISO20121 and other major achievements along the way. We are proud to continue working together with such a committed and passionate team, in such a legendary sports and events venue.” 

This certification shows Silverstone’s progress against its Shift to Zero strategy, alongside wider sustainability commitment to reduce our carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2040*. Silverstone has begun its net zero journey with progress made on the installation of 2,764 solar panels that produce 18% of Silverstone’s annual electricity demand, transition to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in previously diesel fuelled generators and plant vehicles, and in 2025 attaining a 44% business-wide recycling rate. 

James Allen, Venue Operations Director of Silverstone: “We are absolutely thrilled to achieve ISO 20121 accreditation — a milestone that reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, responsible event management, and continuing the Silverstone legacy. This recognition not only validates the hard work of our team but also reinforces our promise to drive sustainability excellence and operational efficiency through innovation, and purpose.”

The Green Sports Alliance states that, based on economic output, the sports industry is responsible for 0.8% of global emissions. This industry also has significant influence on its fans and wider stakeholders, which is a huge platform, and an opportunity for impact and behaviour change not to be missed. Silverstone is increasingly engaging with its local communities on sustainability topics and encouraging sustainable actions both at home and at the circuit.

Martin Towsend, Growth Director of British Standards Institution (BSI): “Achieving certification to the sustainable events management systems standard (ISO 20121) is a significant milestone for a venue of Silverstone’s scale and global reach. Hosting an event such as the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, which brings together around 150,000 spectators on race day and around half a million across the full race weekend, creates considerable operational and environmental complexity. At that scale, sustainability cannot sit on the sidelines, it has to be embedded into how the event is designed and delivered.

“Silverstone’s progress - from generating 18% of its electricity on site, to committing to a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, shows that sustainability is being translated into measurable action. Leadership of this kind sets an important benchmark, that will ultimately help the motorsport industry and wider society accelerate progress towards a sustainable world.”

For more information about Silverstone’s sustainability initiatives and to access our Sustainability Reports, please visit https://www.silverstone.co.uk/sustainability

*Silverstone’s baseline year is currently being calculated and evaluated. It will be announced, alongside targets, in its Sustainability Report 2025.