Today, Mauro Gianetti, the CEO and Team Principal of UAE Team Emirates, took the stage at COP28 to announce the team’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero status by 2030.
This declaration reaffirms the team’s commitment to spearheading sustainability in sports and contributing to a more environmentally aware future. Notably, UAE Team Emirates proudly stands as the first Professional Cycling Team to attain Carbon Neutrality, accomplishing this milestone after the 2023 season.
During a panel discussion at the FAB Pavilion, Gianetti expressed the team’s broader mission beyond winning bike races, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for positive change. Aligned with the UAE leadership’s vision, the team pledges to support the nation’s decarbonization goals. Building on previous health and wellness initiatives that promote cycling, UAE Team Emirates aims to establish a comprehensive sustainability program, targeting a net-zero carbon footprint by the close of 2030.
UAE Team Emirates’ Strategic Plan for Sustainability
The team’s net-zero objective involves a systematic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions each year, contributing to the global fight against climate change. This strategic plan entails significant CO2 reduction throughout the team’s value chain. The organisation is committed to lessening its environmental impact through eco-friendly measures like optimizing travel logistics, minimizing waste, and adopting energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, the team plans to actively engage in community initiatives actively, raising environmental awareness among fans and the broader sports community.
The commitment to sustainability is a source of pride for the team’s staff and riders, who will champion the project. Beyond reducing the team’s carbon emissions, riders will serve as ambassadors for sustainability, educating and inspiring younger generations to support the global movement for environmental responsibility, according to WAM.
In tandem with its long-term goals, UAE Team Emirates commissioned a third-party audit to assess its current carbon footprint. Utilizing the Financial Control Approach, the team calculated its Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the entire 2022 season, amounting to 224,980 CO2 tons. Taking responsibility for these emissions, the team has invested in carbon-neutral initiatives, partnerships, and programs, engaging in five international projects to secure certification as a Carbon Neutral Company.
