MEASURING IMPACT
For over a century, the Isle of Man TT has pushed the limits of speed, skill and engineering. Now, it’s taking on a new kind of challenge: sustainability.
A new government-led sustainability audit delivered by UK-based environmental specialists Aether - is now underway. Commissioned by the Isle of Man Government and supported by the Official Sustainability Partner of the Isle of Man TT Races, PE, the audit marks a key step in the long-term strategy to safeguard the future of the TT and other motorcycle events on the Island.
The audit, which covers the TT, Classic TT, Manx Grand Prix and Southern 100, will assess how these events are planned, delivered and managed through the lens of sustainability. Led by UK-based environmental specialists Aether, the report will benchmark against global standards, including ISO 20121 and the FIA Environmental Accreditation Scheme.
As part of the audit, Aether will also evaluate the TT’s environmental performance against a range of established motorsport frameworks. These include the FIA Environmental Accreditation Scheme (EAS) - a recognised benchmark for motorsport stakeholders that covers impact areas such as air quality, water and soil pollution, and biodiversity. In parallel, the audit will also reference the FIM Environmental Code and the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) Environmental Code, which provide specific guidance for motorcycle events on matters including fuel handling, ground protection, noise management, vehicle cleaning, and the responsibilities of competitors, organisers and spectators alike.
“This is an important step forward,” says Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport. “The Isle of Man is the only entire nation recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere. That puts us in a unique position - and gives us a responsibility to lead by example.
“But we also have to be realistic. There are limitations to what we can do sustainably right now - particularly when it comes to the machinery on track. The motorcycle industry isn’t yet at the point where something like TT Zero can return in a meaningful or competitive way.
“What this audit will do is help us understand what changes we can make - from the way we deliver the event to how we approach our production and infrastructure. It’s about finding practical, effective solutions that protect the TT’s future whilst preserving what makes it so special.”
WHAT’S BEING MEASURED
Everything from race operations and infrastructure to visitor travel and accommodation is being examined - even the number of racing laps and how many fans travel over for the fortnight.
The aim? To understand the true environmental impact of the TT and the Island’s road racing events and build a roadmap to reduce it.
This is familiar ground for PE, the TT’s Official Sustainability Partner. The UK’s largest independent energy supplier has already delivered an initial carbon footprint assessment of the 2023 TT, using their proprietary climate calculator. Now, they’ve adapted their support to enable the Isle of Man Government and the TT in laying the groundwork for meaningful, measurable change.
“We help businesses of all sizes meet and exceed their sustainability goals,” says PE Group CEO, Neeraj Bhatia. “Working with the TT is an opportunity to apply our passion to one of the most iconic sporting events in the world - and to support the event’s journey to find tangible solutions that make a real impact.”
NOT JUST FOR NOW – FOR THE FUTURE
The sustainability audit forms part of the wider TT Strategic Plan, introduced in 2022. Among its seven core pillars is a commitment to environmental responsibility - helping ensure the TT continues to adapt in a changing world.
“Fans can rest assured: the essence of the TT is not changing,” says Phillips. “This is about identifying ways that the TT can adapt its delivery methods to ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come - while respecting the island that makes it all possible.”
