Amelia foaster
In a sport defined by roaring engines, blistering speeds, and a legacy of fuel-powered passion, sustainability may seem like an unlikely companion. Yet, as the world accelerates toward a carbon-neutral future, the motorsport industry is shifting gears and nowhere is that transformation more visible than in the UAE’s growing sustainable motorsport scene.
At the forefront of this change is Lachlan Robinson, a 22-year-old Abu Dhabi-based racing driver who is redefining what it means to compete in one of the world’s most energy-intensive sports. His initiative, #DrivenToZero, isn’t just about performance on the track it’s about turning kilometres into climate action.
From Speed to Sustainability
Motorsport has long been synonymous with excess high fuel consumption, global travel, and immense carbon footprints. But as environmental awareness grows, drivers like Robinson are proving that speed and sustainability can coexist.
“I’ve always loved racing,” Robinson told The Gulf Pulse. “But I also realised that passion means responsibility. Motorsport is evolving, and I want to be part of that shift toward a greener, more responsible future.”
That’s the ethos behind #DrivenToZero, Robinson’s sustainability-focused pledge launched in partnership with the global tree-planting platform Evertreen. The program plants one tree for every 75 kilometres he races, tests, or practises as well as one for each airport-to-track round trip and six for every return flight between the UAE and Europe.
With ten racing events on his 2025 calendar, Robinson expects to plant more than 70 new trees this season alone, offsetting around 14,000 kilograms of CO₂. Combined with his earlier planting of 1,000 trees, the initiative reflects a genuine effort to make racing more responsible.
Planting Roots for Change
While tree planting may seem symbolic, Robinson’s collaboration with Evertreen ensures real, traceable impact. The platform provides live updates showing where trees are planted and how they support local communities — from Madagascar to Indonesia.
“It’s not just about planting trees and walking away,” Robinson said. “Each one represents a commitment — to the environment, to local farmers, and to a more sustainable way of thinking about motorsport.”
Evertreen’s model creates fair-wage jobs for farmers and women, supports food security, and promotes reforestation. According to the company’s representatives, partnerships like Robinson’s show how individual athletes can take responsibility and inspire fans to do the same.
The Rise of Sustainable Motorsport in the UAE
The UAE has become a key player in global motorsport, hosting events such as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and nurturing a growing base of young racers. But in recent years, a new conversation has emerged one centered on green racing in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Driven by the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, the country is aligning even its most energy-intensive industries with sustainability goals. Racing facilities like Yas Marina Circuit have introduced energy-efficient systems, recycling programs, and trials of sustainable fuels in line with FIA standards.
Within this framework, Robinson’s project fits perfectly. His efforts mirror the UAE’s broader push toward sustainable motorsport, where high performance and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Motorsport and the Global Green Shift
The push for sustainability in motorsport 2025 isn’t limited to the UAE. Around the world, governing bodies like the FIA have committed to carbon neutrality by 2030, advancing renewable energy adoption, sustainable fuels, and waste reduction initiatives.
Electric series such as Formula E and Extreme E are proving that motorsport can evolve without losing its competitive edge. Even major figures like Lewis Hamilton have founded teams in electric racing to promote environmental responsibility.
For Robinson, this movement isn’t about replacing traditional motorsport but improving it — one small, measurable step at a time.
Turning Passion Into Purpose
Robinson’s commitment is deeply personal. “I started racing when I was 11,” he recalled. “Growing up in the UAE shaped my mindset about sustainability. Watching the country balance innovation and environmental care has inspired how I approach my career.”
Now a five-time UAE National Karting Champion, Robinson combines his racing passion with a desire to leave a positive impact. His goal is not only to offset his own carbon footprint but to encourage younger racers to think differently about the sport’s future.
“If even one young driver starts caring more about the planet because of this initiative,” he said, “then I know it’s making a difference.”
Beyond the Track: Inspiring a Movement
The message behind sustainable motorsport UAE goes beyond environmental action — it’s about education and community. Robinson plans to expand #DrivenToZero to involve fans, schools, and the wider racing community, helping others understand the value of sustainability in sports.
He also hopes to collaborate with local organisations and motorsport academies to integrate sustainability education into training programs. “Every initiative like this needs collective effort,” he said. “My goal is to create a long-term culture of responsibility within racing.”
The Road Ahead
The results so far are promising. The trees planted through Robinson’s program are projected to offset over 22,000 kilograms of CO₂ annually once mature. Yet, he views this as just the beginning. Future plans include expanding #DrivenToZero into a platform where fans can track their personal carbon offsets and contribute to global tree-planting efforts.
As Evertreen’s representatives noted, Robinson’s commitment stands out because it’s authentic and continuous. He’s not simply fulfilling a requirement he’s redefining what it means to be a modern athlete in an evolving sport.
A New Era for Motorsport
As 2025 approaches, sustainability in motorsport is no longer a niche topic. With technological innovation, renewable energy, and shifting audience expectations, racing is entering a new era. The UAE’s leadership in green racing demonstrates how performance-driven industries can adapt to global sustainability goals without losing their essence.
For Lachlan Robinson, the mission remains clear: “Every race, every kilometre, every tree it all matters. Motorsport can be thrilling and responsible at the same time. That’s what #DrivenToZero is all about.”
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