Silverstone racing circuit in UK cuts carbon emissions with Certas Energy renewable diesel
Certas Energy, the U.K.’s largest independent fuel distributor, announced in October that it has teamed up with Silverstone to power the biggest events at the racing circuit, including the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix, with at least 250,000 liters (66,043 gallons) of renewable diesel, also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
The historic racetrack is estimated to save approximately 645 metric tons of CO2e by using HVO instead of standard diesel to power generators that operated mobile kitchens, lighting and stages for live music events and day-to-day operations across the year.
HVO also powered generators for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championships and Motor Racing Legends event Oct. 17-18.
It marks the third year of Silverstone using Certas Energy HVO, having supplied 350,000 liters (92,460 gallons) of HVO last summer and a quarter-million liters in 2024 to save up to a combined 1,549 tons of CO2e.
The reduction in emissions was determined by Certas Energy’s HVO Carbon Savings Calculator, which uses government data to show how much carbon can be saved by switching from standard diesel to HVO.
Paired with the HVO & Diesel Balancing Calculator, this helps inform the full environmental and financial impact of fuel consumption and gives businesses a clearer path to decarbonization.
Silverstone’s decision to switch to HVO is part of the race circuit’s “Shift to Zero” initiative, which contributes to Formula 1’s drive to be net zero by 2030.
Certas Energy HVO, produced from waste- and residue-derived feedstocks, is a drop-in solution and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 percent compared to standard diesel.
“Following another successful year of using Certas Energy HVO, I am delighted that the home of British motorsport has continued our commitment to renewable fuels this summer,” said Sophie Ellis, Silverston’s ESG impact manager. “Silverstone will continue to lead the way in lowering our carbon footprint as we accelerate in our race to ‘Shift to Zero.’ Collaborative, aligned relationships are key to us being successful on this journey, which is something that Certas Energy completely supports.”
Cathy Bailey, the energy-transition manager at Certas Energy, added, “The Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix is one of the biggest events in sport and it’s an honor to support a world-famous venue’s race to hit net zero for the third year in a row. This HVO hat-trick demonstrates why Silverstone trust us to support their energy transition and the renewable alternative to traditional diesel is helping to significantly reduce carbon emissions.”
According to the U.K. Department for Transport, consumption of HVO hit 408 million liters (107.8 million gallons) in the first 10 months of 2025.
