Goodwood is delighted to present the annual Goodwood Sustainability Report for 2023. The report showcases the sustainable accomplishments over the past year and addresses the challenges that have been faced in the journey to carbon neutrality. The report focuses on the progress across six core pillars: Natural Capital, Carbon, Water, Business, Social, and Resources & Waste, underscoring the commitment to sustainable development.
Natural Capital
Goodwood Estate's 11,000 acres are managed strategically to provide, enhance, and protect natural assets and ecosystems for future generations. Initiatives include a tree planting scheme in collaboration with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, aiming to introduce 41,000 new trees by March 2024. Since 2019, a total of 177,550 trees have been planted on the estate. Wildlife conservation efforts include the introduction of 27 new wildlife habitats and a partnership with Brent Lodge Bird and Wildlife Trust, which led to the release of 18 rehabilitated birds into local habitats. Additionally, surveys such as the RSPB Garden Watch and Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count provided the estate with vital information that will help enhance and restore existing habits and support population growth.
Carbon
Goodwood has made significant strides through initiatives such as the introduction of the Biomass Boiler, which produced 2,333 MWh of energy in 2023. Solar panel installations at the Motor Circuit and The Kennels have further reduced our reliance on grid electricity. Notably, the event generators now operate on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), resulting in an 87% decrease in associated carbon emissions.
Water
Water resource management stands as a critical focus for the business, evidenced by the replacement of 1.6 kilometers of primary private network supply to eradicate leakage. Additionally, the Racecourse installed a pop-up sprinkler system to remove the need for water gun usage. The major events have expanded the provision of complimentary water fountains on-site, aiming to foster sustainable practices and diminish plastic waste.
Business
Goodwood plays a vital role in the local and national economy, contributing an estimated £323 million annually to the local economy and £444 million nationally. Additionally, the business has introduced 17 apprenticeships and works closely with local suppliers to integrate sustainable practices into the supply chain, developing economic growth and community resilience. Moreover, the Downs Golf Course has been recognized as one of the TOP 100 most sustainable golf courses in Europe.
Social
Goodwood’s social and community engagement efforts extend to various programs and initiatives. The Goodwood Education Trust welcomed 3000 students to the Education Centre in 2023 and conducted 68 Forest School sessions, providing invaluable environmental education. Furthermore, Goodwood raised £480,426 for charities last year.
Resource and Waste
Efforts to minimise waste and optimise resource utilisation are integral to Goodwood’s sustainability strategy. The estate recycled over 17.6 tonnes of food waste into renewable energy and bio fertiliser via waste contractors. Responsibly removing the waste from our restaurants and cafes vastly reduces methane gas production. At the Major events, the renewable cup scheme saved the use of 900,000 single-use plastic cups.
2024 and beyond
Looking ahead to 2024, Goodwood remains dedicated to advancing sustainability initiatives with a number of exciting developments. The 2024 Goodwood Revival will serve as a landmark moment in motorsport history, as the entire weekend of historic racing is set to take place exclusively using sustainable fuel. At Goodwood Home Farm, the Dairy will introduce a new robotic milking system designed to improve efficiency and animal welfare. Additionally, solar panelling is being investigated for various areas of the estate, highlighting our ongoing commitment to driving positive change.
The Duke of Richmond said: “This edition of the Goodwood Sustainability Report provides a rare moment to acknowledge the difficulties and celebrate the successes in striving to become as sustainable as we possibly can. By pursuing bold ambitions around sustainability and eco-friendly processes, the estate will continue to meet the challenges of climate change and the biodiversity crisis with creativity and innovation, ensuring that future generations can cherish Goodwood as we all do today.”
To read the full report, visit https://www.goodwood.com/sustainability-report/
