The Las Vegas strip’s transformation into a racetrack for the Formula 1 Grand Prix is quite the site to see. Beyond the excitement of cars racing at speeds of 200-plus mph down the 3.8-mile track through the heart of the strip, the event also showcases significant strides in sustainability. From eco-friendly features of the track’s construction to clean energy and water conservation, the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix sets the standard for F1’s Net Zero goals.
Transforming the Las Vegas Strip into a racetrack involved substantial planning and infrastructure modifications, with sustainability at the forefront of this ambitious project.
F1 BUILDS GREEN RACING IN LAS VEGAS
Repurposing Existing Infrastructure: Where feasible, the construction plan utilized existing roadways and infrastructure to minimize the environmental impact of building entirely new structures. This approach not only saved resources but also reduced the carbon emissions associated with new construction.
Environmentally Friendly Materials: The construction of the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix track involved the use of advanced materials to meet the rigorous demands of high-speed racing. Specifically, Southwest Liquid Asphalt incorporated Honeywell Titan® polymer into the asphalt binder to achieve the necessary stiffness and durability for the circuit. Honeywell Titan® has created a range of low-molecular weight polyolefin-based products that can be mixed with asphalt binders to construct durable, sustainable pavements, reducing both overall costs and energy consumption.
Carbon Emissions Reduction: Aligning with Formula 1’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, the Las Vegas Grand Prix partnered with Switch, a technology infrastructure company powered entirely by renewable energy. This collaboration supports the event’s sustainability objectives by leveraging renewable energy sources and innovative technologies to reduce its carbon footprint.
Waste Reduction: The Las Vegas Grand Prix has replaced single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives and implemented comprehensive recycling programs throughout the racing facilities. These measures aim to minimize waste and promote sustainable practices among attendees and participants. Biodegradable, reusable and recyclable consumables will be used for cups, plates and straws, along with eliminating single-use plastics in the Paddock Zone. The event will offer plant-based food options across viewing areas. Waste will be reduced further through recycling and re-use. The first year will provide insights on how to continue to improve in the future.
Aiming to be the first-ever net zero water consumption sporting event, the system has already saved 200,000 gallons of water that otherwise would have come out of Lake Meade.
Tree Recycling: To accommodate grandstands and improve visibility around the Bellagio Fountain area, certain trees were removed. While some were temporarily relocated for replanting after the event, others were processed into wood chips and distributed to local Southern Nevada parks, promoting resource reuse and supporting community green spaces.
Lighting and Power: Hybrid battery power provided energy while reducing waste. Aggreko powered the track lighting at 16 locations around the circuit, installing multiple Tier 4 Final generators and battery energy storage to provide low-emission, hybrid power. Aggreko also supported the opening ceremony with hybrid power solutions and provided temperature control for various locations, including VIP suites, the Pit Building Zone and grandstand. The use of Tier 4 Final generators reduced particulate matter by 98% and NOx by 96% compared to other generators.
Green Building Certification: FEA Consulting Engineers kept sustainability top of mind when it provided comprehensive mechanical, plumbing, low voltage and lighting services for the Formula 1 Paddock building. Additional sustainable construction included mechanical cooling systems that replace cooling towers, energy submetering, air quality monitors and rooftop LED lighting. The Paddock building spans approximately 1,000 feet in length, 100 feet in width, and covers around 475,000 square feet. Energy LEED certification is being sought for this project.
WATER CONSERVATION STRATEGIES
Water scarcity is a well-documented challenge in Nevada, making water conservation essential in large-scale projects. The Las Vegas Grand Prix incorporated several measures to mitigate water usage and aims to make the event the first net-zero water consumption race in Formula 1 history.
Water-Efficient Track Cooling: In partnership with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, WaterStart, and MGM Resorts International, the Grand Prix introduced an atmospheric water generator (AWG) at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. This technology captures moisture from the air and converts it into water, offsetting the approximately 30,000 gallons used to clean the track during race preparations. This technology is based on closed-loop systems that recycle water multiple times before discharge. Aiming to be the first-ever net zero water consumption sporting event, the system has already saved 200,000 gallons of water that otherwise would have come out of Lake Meade.
THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE RACING
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is not just a high-octane event for motorsports enthusiasts but also a testament to how the entertainment and sports industries can innovate and incorporate sustainability. The transformation of the Las Vegas Strip into a racetrack demonstrates a commitment to balancing excitement with environmental responsibility. This landmark track sets an inspiring precedent for sustainability at future urban infrastructure projects and sporting events worldwide.
“Southern Nevada continues to be a world leader in water conservation and efficiency. Through this partnership, we are not only helping offset water use for the Las Vegas Grand Prix event, but also establishing a water-saving precedent for future large-scale events in our community,” said David Johnson, SNWA Deputy General Manager, at Southern Nevada Water Authority, after the inaugural FI weekend in Las Vegas.
Photo credit: ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
