MotorSport Vision (MSV) operates a number of motor racing circuits in the UK, plus one in Spain, with another under development in France - which is intended to be the world's first self-sufficient eco circuit. The MSV group also includes the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, the GB3 and GB4 single-seater championships, the PalmerSport corporate driving event at Bedford Autodrome, MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) and MotorSport Vision Trackdays (MSVT).
As the UK’s leading motor racing circuit owner MSV fully recognises the importance of a) reducing the environmental impact of our venues and events, where practicable, b) maintaining strong relations with the community and c) having a clear commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
We are pleased to share some examples of this good practice at Brands Hatch circuit in Kent. This is by no means a complete list, and our approach and policies will adapt, expand and evolve over time.
02.01.2024
- Brands Hatch is progressively improving its recycling policy with office paper and cardboard, hospitality glasses, tyres, metals and oil already recycled via local refuse and recycling providers. Brands Hatch is working towards a full site-wide recycling process being in place by the end of 2024
- Biodegradable packaging was introduced across the circuit’s restaurants in 2021 as we look to move away from single-use plastics
- We use paper straws, offer recyclable wooden cutlery and use only recyclable coffee cups
- Brands Hatch provides free drinking water at various sites across its venue, with improved signage introduced from 2022 to make them more visible
- 90% of race meeting tickets are now sent digitally rather than being printed and posted
- All printed race programmes use Forest Stewardship Council certified paper. Many racing clubs have switched to offering only digital PDF programmes
- All redundant electrical and computer equipment on site is recycled
- The treatment of spillages is carried out on site, with absorbent materials being used to ensure contamination is minimised and contained
- Material excavated from improvement works at Brands Hatch is frequently deployed elsewhere on site, with nothing sent to landfill. For example, following a circuit resurfacing project in 2022 all the planings from the surface were reused in the unmade roads around the venue
- Woodland management is a priority for the circuit, and we work closely with the local authority and experts in the field to ensure we maintain our biodiversity
- Brands Hatch has been progressively replacing all its standard lights for LED alternatives and 90% of the site has now been upgraded
- A Fair usage policy for track activity has been introduced to minimise unnecessary energy consumption in the garages and paddock areas
- Employees are given clear guidelines and actively encouraged to minimise energy use in their respective workspaces
- In 2024, Brands Hatch begins the replacement of light switches to sensors to further reduce our energy consumptions in rooms that are not in use
- Carers of disabled guests are entitled to free admission to race events at Brands Hatch
- A wheelchair accessible grandstand (Paddock Hill) is available on all race weekends
- Dedicated parking areas within the venue are provided to Blue Badge holders
- Since 2022 we have provided a mobile changing facility on major event days. This offers a fully accessible toilet with an adult-sized changing bench, hoist and a friendly attendant
- In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of spectator travel, a Shuttle Bus service was introduced on selected race events in 2022. In 2023 passenger numbers doubled at these events and in 2024 we have expanded the service on the Speedfest weekend to run both days
- Visitors are also encouraged to car share where possible via our Important Information emails that are distributed prior to each event
- We are now using hybrid and electric vehicles among our venue fleet
- We hold a Villagers’ Day each year for the local community, with thousands of pounds raised for charitable causes
- We have close relations with nearby schools and have arranged many formal visits and excursions. One school holds its annual sports day on our grounds
- A local resident pass scheme provides those living close to the circuit all year-round free access
- In 2022 we trialled the addition of local farmers’ markets on selected events
- We strive to use local businesses for our materials and supplies wherever possible, for example all our fresh meat, dairy and vegetables is sourced locally
- Since 2012 we have hosted free cycle rides for the local community