I am honored to share Autódromo Internacional do Algarve's journey towards sustainability in event management. Our decision to implement a Sustainable Event Management System (SEMS) and to work towards ISO 20121 certification fits in with our business strategy, is a relevant competitiveness factor and is a commitment to participate in change in the motorsport industry.
The road to certification was a challenging one, requiring us to examine multiple aspects of our operations at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in order to create collective responsibility. We worked closely with APCER and were subjected to rigorous and demanding, but always constructive, audits that challenged us to improve our environmental, social and economic practices, and APCER's guidance was instrumental in helping us develop a comprehensive approach to sustainable event management, with the cases of the MotoGP, ELMS and World Superbike World Championship races.
The certification process was also transformative. We didn't just receive a certificate, we cultivated a new organizational culture, with sustainability in mind, which was very much embraced throughout the company. Every decision, from event planning to execution, is now seen through the lens of responsible management.
The benefits have been substantial - we have significantly improved the sustainability of our events, reduced our environmental footprint, strengthened our connection to local communities and demonstrated to the industry that top-level motorsport can coexist with environmental and social awareness.
Our certification is not an end point, but a continuous commitment to improvement and responsible event management. The road to greater sustainability is not easy, but it is rewarding and we are very proud of what we have achieved and remain committed to promoting positive change, one event at a time.
Jaime Costa
CEO / Chair of the Board
