We will contribute to a sustainable future! Together with the Norwegian Motorsports Association and Norwegian sports in general, ACR supports the sustainability goals set by the UN , and we share the view that we all have an important role in achieving these. We recognize that ACR's activities so far may have both positive and negative impacts on the sustainability goals, but we try to minimize the negative impact. At the same time as we will contribute to achieving the goals, we will be open about the effects we create. Our contribution does not move mountains, but together with others, the contribution is important.
ACR's goal is that our measures will be able to have an effect on ten of the seventeen goals set by the UN, and we have given a brief description of each one below.
As an international arena for sport and physical development, we shall make our contribution to strengthened public health, both physically and psychologically. At ACR, play, enjoyment of life, inclusion, hard work and a conscious involvement of seniors will help to raise the individual's quality of life.
ACR will seek to collaborate with schools and universities to promote even better education, strengthened research and increased knowledge in the areas that are important for increased sustainability. We must encourage young people to higher education and research.
ACR shall promote equality in all our activities, whether it concerns gender, sexual orientation or ethnic origin, and be a role model internationally. ACR will stimulate increased activity among girls and women in all the areas our activities touch.
ACR must be aware of its potential as a test and development arena for the electrification of the transport sector. ACR will seek cooperation with relevant research environments, and also contribute to a strengthened research environment locally.
Through collaboration with research and industry, ACR will be an arena for innovation and testing of new technology that directly or indirectly contributes to giving cities and local communities a stronger and more sustainable infrastructure and industrial production.
Electrification of the transport sector is essential to strengthen the sustainability of all societies. ACR must be aware of its role as a facilitator for research and testing of new technology and new energy sources for all types of vehicles.
ACR is an international arena and member of a global community. Our contribution to achieving the global community's sustainability goals is not large on its own, but very important when it forms a part of something bigger.
ACR has made a conscious choice to reduce the arena's emissions of the biggest source of marine plastic pollution: friction rubber and microplastics from vehicles. ACR has also taken the initiative for research into better methods of cleaning streets and roads.
With a nature reserve and a national park as our nearest neighbours, this is an important choice. ACR must locally contribute to minimal pollution, and all experience and all relevant knowledge must be distributed both nationally and internationally.
The UN's sustainability goals can only be achieved through cooperation across national borders and professional and cultural divides. ACR is an international arena and our aim is to share our experiences with others, and to be an inspiration where we can.
International development
Developments in international motorsport are going at a rapid pace, and already in November 2019, the management in Formula 1 decided that the sport will get rid of fossil fuels, no later than 2030.
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This creates ripple effects when the EU has at the same time tightened its emissions requirements for road traffic sharply. The planned Euro-7 standard is so demanding that the leading engine manufacturers are expected to throw in the towel. Virtually all car manufacturers have long since launched an offensive focus on electric driveline.
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Formula 1 has also adopted an action plan for more sustainable implementation of the events. Not only will the plastic cups be away from the arenas, but the public offer for public transport to and from the arenas will also be strengthened.
Photo: Gary Bailey / picman.co.uk
The FIA welcomes this Formula 1 initiative. It is not only very encouraging for the future of motorsport, but it could also have strong benefits for society as a whole. "
Jean Todt, President of the FIA
The sponsorship funds will also go the same way, and this will increasingly affect all motorsport, both on four and two wheels. FIM, the international federation for i.a. roadracing goes the same way, and has come a long way with its commitment to eBike.
ACR has ambitions to, together with the Norwegian Motorsports Association, focus on international races within eBike. As is well known, ACR is virtually self-sufficient in renewable energy.
Environmental handbook 1994
Photo: Gary Bailey / picman.co.uk
Photo: Gary Bailey / picman.co.uk
The Norwegian Motorsport Association strategy document states:
"NMF will work to ensure that all parts of Norwegian motorsport take the challenges related to the environment, such as air pollution from internal combustion engines and noise from our facilities, seriously and that the association in collaboration with the clubs establish good measures to reduce the environmental challenges related to our NMF will challenge suppliers to the sport to do the same, and together we will ensure a more sustainable motorsport.
Today, the UN's sustainability goals have long since been incorporated into FIM's environmental regulations, and the regulations contain chapters that look after both the circular economy, energy and material recycling. Recently, the chapter on fuel was renamed to a chapter on energy.
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All events under the auspices of the FIM, the national federations and local organizers around the world must, according to the regulations, have their own environmental and sustainability officer who ensures that every competition is carried out in accordanceEnvironmental Code. During the FIM Congress 2020, the regulations were further tightened, and all events must now take care of nature conservation and biological diversity.
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"The FIM environmental code is a constantly evolving document and the first of its kind to be adopted by an international sports federation."
Katia Juárez Dubón, Director of the FIM's International Sustainability Commission, 22 August 2020.
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The FIM´s goal is to establish a culture of sustainability in motorcycle sport worldwide. In order to achieve this, we will:
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Continue to foster an Environmental Protection Programme
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Comply with all relevant legislations, regulations, policies, local laws and site agreements designed to protect the environment.
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Monitor advances in technology and environmental best management practices and apply them as appropriate. FIM Environmental Code 2 update 22 August 2020
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Continue developing Environmental Regulations and Guidelines and seek improved options aiming to reduce the potential for adverse environmental impacts concerning:
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Sound emissions
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Soil and groundwater contamination
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Emission into the air
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Protection of biodiversity
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Protection and promotion of cultural heritage
Friction rubber and microplastics at ACR
All driving on ACR's track will, like driving on country roads, create friction rubber. Driving at high speed, whether with motorcycles during races or with ambulances during training, will leave small, partly microscopic fragments of tire rubber in the curves.
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According to the Norwegian Environment Agency, friction rubber from car traffic is the largest Norwegian source of microplastics and marine pollution. The Directorate's calculations show that 2,250 tonnes of microplastics from tire wear end up in the sea.
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ACR has sought to take its share of the responsibility, not least out of consideration for the nearby areas and the salmon-carrying Ranelva that flows in the valley. As the arena owner, several sources have been sought for contributions to finance a Ravo sweeping machine that will be stationed at the facility.
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In addition to collecting friction rubber and microplastics from the track, ACR has launched proposals for an R&D project to study and, if possible, improve techniques for road and street cleaning.
Developments in Norway
Photo: Gary Bailey / picman.co.uk
The Norwegian Motorsport Association strategy document states:
"NMF will work to ensure that all parts of Norwegian motorsport take the challenges related to the environment, such as air pollution from internal combustion engines and noise from our facilities, seriously and that the association in collaboration with the clubs establish good measures to reduce the environmental challenges related to our NMF will challenge suppliers to the sport to do the same, and together we will ensure a more sustainable motorsport.
In the longer term, facilitating the use of new electric vehicles / vessels will be crucial to succeed in reducing environmental challenges. The association can not be responsible for the development of new technology, but our ability to use new technology is our own responsibility. NMF will work to increase the competence related to new technology so that member clubs and practitioners get the help they need to be able to contribute to local initiatives.
NMF will participate in international forums where environmentally friendly solutions are discussed, also outside motorsport where this is considered relevant. Only through international cooperation can we ensure that Norwegian motorsport is at the forefront when it comes to the transition to more sustainable solutions. "
The background photo was taken from Lurøyfjellet and shows Lurøygården. Towards the horizon we see the two islands Sleneset and Lovund.
Photo: Øystein Bentzen