OUR COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The Racing Foundation is committed to environmental sustainability and the 2023 conference was its most ambitious yet. We addressed all aspects of our environmental impact in delivering the event from energy to water, food, resources and waste. After reducing our emissions and waste we will offset the remaining amount through a recommended, high quality carbon offset scheme.

Some of the steps we took to reduce our environmental impact were:
• Digital brochures Replacing physical brochures with digital brochures to reduce waste.
• Reusable lanyards The reusable lanyards that replaced plastic name badges were made from recycled plastic bottles and manufactured in the East Midlands, producing 61% less CO2 in their manufacture and distribution than similar items imported from China.
• Locally sourced lunch Sustainably-sourced Yorkshire chicken and seafood sourced from Whitby ensured low food milage and investment in local communities – a crucial pillar of sustainability.
• Travel Delegates were encouraged to travel by train rather than by petrol or diesel car which reduced the carbon footprint of the event. Data was been gathered from delegates regarding their travel to allow accurate carbon calculation for offset.
• Venue From carbon footprint and the stewardship of acreage, to the management of water and waste, York Racecourse have embedded sustainability into their operations for the past five years allowing for greener operations around venue hire. In 2023, they launched their environmental strategy Green Knavesmire 300, recognising what has been achieved to date and committing to ambitious plans for the future. We are delighted that York were able to meet the sustainability standards required by the Racing Foundation and University of Liverpool and support a carbon neutral Horseracing Industry Conference.
• Carbon offset Following efforts to reduce the conference’s emissions and waste, we will be offsetting the remaining carbon through a recommended, high quality carbon offset scheme.