IMS Blazes New Trail with Responsible Sport Certification
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), home of the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, is the first sports facility to receive organizational certification from the Council for Responsible Sports (Council).
Organization certification first became available in August 2021. The new standard is based on the recognition of the following core principles: Power of Sport, Solving Climate Change, Enabling Social Justice and Business of Sport. IMS was the first company to commit to the new framework, implementing year-round environmental and social impact tracking for the more than 300 events held annually at IMS.
Previously, in 2021, the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge was certified as a responsible event.
The Council offers event hosts and organizers a structured approach to measure, implement, validate and improve the social and environmental sustainability of their events and venues. Certification is earned through action in five categories: Planning and Communication, Procurement, Resource Management, Access and Equity, and Community Heritage. Eventually, IMS achieved 210 credits in these categories and received the Silver award as a certified organization.
“IMS’ commitment to addressing social and environmental realities and implementing a systematic approach to setting goals, adjusting operations and measuring progress is outstanding,” said Rico Tesio, Executive Chairman of the Council for Responsible Sport. “Achieving Responsible Sport certification at an organizational level is not only a true milestone in the history of the venue, but also demonstrates leadership in motorsport and beyond, and should be celebrated as energetically as any checkered flag flown at the famous Yard of Bricks is panned.”
Key partnerships and the implementation of new tracking technology helped IMS achieve this landmark goal. With the addition of the new organization certification, the Council implemented ReScore, a system designed to help venues track their progress. WM Sustainability Services played a critical role in IMS’ sustainability journey, providing support by documenting a variety of resource management credits related to emissions calculations, waste prevention and energy consumption.
“This is a monumental and impressive achievement for Indianapolis Motor Speedway, earned through an overall commitment to innovation and hard work that protects our community and is a leader in our sport,” said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “We learned a lot in 2021 when we received our event certification for the Indy 500. This process has helped us get to this moment where we now track the impact of our events throughout the year and implement systemic programs that produce results.
“We remain committed to becoming the world’s most sustainable motorsport venue, and we are grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our fans as we continue to identify new ways to encourage their participation in this journey.”
As part of the new certification, IMS has implemented new standards and procedures. This includes developing a diversity, equity and inclusion plan and a public commitment to measuring and mitigating environmental impacts. IMS expanded its waste diversion efforts beyond the Indianapolis 500 to events hosted at IMS throughout the year. In addition, IMS adopted new sourcing policies and protocols, eliminated single-use plastics and Styrofoam in office spaces, and prioritized purchases from women- and minority-owned companies and companies with sustainability certificates.
IMS will host three NTT INDYCAR SERIES events in 2023: GMR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 13, 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28, and Gallagher Grand Prix on Saturday, August 12.