Isle of Man TT to become carbon neutral with new offsetting plan

THE Isle of Man TT Races are set to be carbon neutral for the first time in 2022, after the announcement of a partnership with electricity and gas supplier, Pozitive Group.

The carbon neutral plan includes an offsetting strategy which will aim to cover all emissions from the 2022 IOMTT, including the travel of international visitors. 

“The full carbon impact is estimated to be around 5000 tonnes of carbon based on data from 2019,” reads an Isle of Man TT press release. However, “the total 2022 emissions will be calculated post-event using a number of verified data sources, including the official race reports to capture racing emissions and the statistics from the 2022 TT Visitor Survey to calculate the impact of attendees, including travel data.”

The TT’s early adoption of the Zero race, back in 2010, allows it to stand on decently firm ground when it comes to sustainability in motorsport, and this offsetting plan pushes the races further down that path. 

This year, the TT will also be banning the use of single-use plastic water bottles, and instead there will be the option to buy a reusable aluminium one from the paddock. These aluminium bottles will be free of charge to hospitality guests. Furthermore, the race programme will be condensed to one publication, thus reducing the amount of plastic shrink-wrapping.

“The Island Plan set out our Government’s overarching vision to build an Island which is secure, vibrant and sustainable,” said Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for the Department for Enterprise. “As the only country to be a UNESCO Biosphere, the Isle of Man has already demonstrated a clear commitment to preserving the world around us, and we’re now forming strategic partnerships that will ensure this commitment to sustainability extends to the Island’s world famous TT Races. In addition to the positive actions taken to make the delivery of this year’s races more sustainable, we also have a commitment to encourage visitors to make environmentally positive decisions and act responsibly when on Island.” 

Jaime Amoedo, CFO for Positive Group, said “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the Department for Enterprise and helping the Isle of Man TT Races become Carbon Neutral. The TT is a deeply integrated part of the Isle of Man’s heritage and as a business based on the Island we’re passionate about working with the department to build a sustainable future for the event.”

The TT racing fortnight is set to begin this upcoming Saturday 28 May.