Mercedes has joined the ranks of teams unveiling their annual sustainability report, highlighting the progress they have made within their organisation and outlining their future strategies.
The comprehensive 66-page report by the Silver Arrows is structured around three fundamental pillars, addressing Environmental, Social, and Governance aspects of their sustainability agenda.
Environmental
Mercedes proudly disclosed a remarkable 21% reduction in air travel emissions since 2022, amounting to a significant conservation of 2,600 tonnes of CO2. This achievement has been facilitated by trailblazing efforts in utilising book and claim mechanisms along with investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
The team also boasts commendable advancements in other areas, including diverting 98% of waste away from landfills through energy recovery and recycling. Their dedication to embracing full electrification is reflected in a 13% reduction in gas emissions.
Furthermore, through a successful biofuel freight trial deployed across the European segment of the 2023 calendar, Mercedes achieved an impressive 88% reduction in emissions, surpassing their initial goal of over 60% reduction.
Mercedes affirms that these endeavours align with the targets established in their 2022 sustainability report – which aimed for a 100% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 50% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2026 – and they have set forth additional objectives towards achieving Net Zero.
Social
Committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, Mercedes has introduced the Accelerate 25 program. In the first half of 2023, a noteworthy 37% of new team members hail from underrepresented groups.
Advancements are evident in gender and minority representation as well. Female team members have risen to 16.6%, marking an impressive 11% growth since 2019. Likewise, team members from minority backgrounds have increased to 8.9% as of June 2023, a notable rise from the 3% recorded in 2019.
Mercedes’ partnership with the Mulberry Schools Trust has yielded positive results, with 107 students graduating from the Mulberry STEM Academy through a tailor-made extracurricular program.
Hiran Odedra, Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Mercedes, emphasised their commitment to embedding EDI principles throughout the organisation via the Accelerate 25 program. The goal is to continually expand opportunities for young individuals from underrepresented communities.
Governance
Mercedes has introduced a robust internal framework for Governance, Ethics, and Compliance in the past year. This initiative includes the publication of a new Integrity Code, Human Rights Policy, Environmental Policy, and Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy.
To bolster transparency and accountability, a new whistleblowing tool has been launched. The team has also implemented rigorous checks against sanctions and Due Diligence platforms.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes CEO and Team Principal, concluded by expressing the team’s ongoing dedication to sustainability initiatives and their determination to approach this challenge with the same competitive spirit they apply to racing. He underscored their commitment to setting high standards and pushing boundaries within the sport and beyond, emphasising their unwavering pursuit of innovation and their goal of making a positive impact on the world.
