• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

  • News
  • Things to do
  • Radio
  • Community
  • More
    • Food & drink
    • Business
  • About
    • Comments
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
  • Radio
  • WIN
  • Vouchers
  • Listen live »
City of York Council voter ID campaign

York Racecourse launches ‘Green Knavesmire’ as it aims to cut water, waste and emissions

Mon 15 May 2023 @ 9:22am - Environment, News
YorkMix

York Racecourse from the air. Photograph: YorkMix

York Racecourse has today launched ‘Green Knavesmire 300’ – an environmental strategy which would see it reach net zero by 2040.

Described as “a commitment by York Racecourse to do the right thing for its horses, its people, and its planet”, York becomes the first independent racecourse to become a signatory of the UN Sport for Climate Action – Race to Zero.

Green Knavesmire 300 outlines ambitious plans in four key areas as to how York Racecourse will tackle the environmental challenge:

  • NetZero by 2040
  • Enhancing biodiversity
  • Conserving and managing water
  • Embracing the circular economy.
York Theatre Royal
York Theatre Royal #Ad

The launch comes just days before York Racecourse begins its 2023 season, with the Dante Festival starting on Wednesday.

It builds on the greening of the racecourse which began in 2017 when it began making positive changes focused on reducing emissions.

The installation of two boreholes for irrigation and a commitment to the Leisure Water Operator Charter has significantly reduced extraction from mains water supply. 

Zero waste to landfill, sourcing from local food producers and suppliers and the eradication of many single use plastics, are helping reduce the racecourse’s impact on the planet.

And its flower gardens are a haven for pollinators and wildlife.

Eight years ahead

William Derby of York Racecourse

William Derby, York Racecourse chief executive, said: “Everyone here is an incredibly proud custodian of York Racecourse and its home of nearly 300 years here on the Knavesmire.

“Since 2017, we have made considerable changes to our operations, leading to a more than 50% reduction in our carbon footprint – this is eight years ahead of the requirement for Net Zero. 

“The team feel passionate that the racecourse continues to play an important role in safeguarding our communities, both racing and local, for a further 300 years. 

“To enjoy a future that includes world-class horseracing, we recognise the urgent need to minimise our negative impact on the environment. GREEN KNAVESMIRE 300 is our ambitious plan for the future and as a sign of our commitment we have proudly signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Action initiative.”

Alison Enticknap, director of strategy and change at the British Horseracing Association, said: “To thrive in the future, racing will need to safeguard itself against the impacts of changes in our climate, as well as playing our part by operating more sustainably.

“York Racecourse’s environmental strategy is a great example of the initiatives we are keen to see, and learn from, as part of a broader environmental strategy and plan for British racing.”

The carbon footprint analysis and creation of York’s environmental strategy has been supported by leading equine environmental sustainability consultancy, White Griffin.

Director of White Griffin Ruth Dancer said: “It has been a genuine pleasure supporting the team at York Racecourse in solidifying their vision for sustainability at York.

“They have put in the hard work already in reducing their emissions by over 50% across all of their operations and their grounds team are genuinely committed to finding innovative ways to support wildlife on the Knavesmire.

“Although there is a long road ahead, York have begun this process with a thoroughness and integrity which bodes well for successfully meeting their ambitious goals in line with the expectations of the UNFCCC Sport for Climate Action framework.”

You can read more about Green Knavesmire 300 on the York Racecourse website.

Trending

  1. York attraction named as one of the best free days out in Britain
  2. York restaurant needs urgent repairs to prevent ‘potential health and safety issues’
  3. This is the salary you now need to buy a home in York

Mon 15 May, 2023

Footer

YorkMix
News 01904 848 766
Email YorkMix news »
5-6 King's Court, Shambles, York  YO1 7LD
YorkMix Radio
General enquiries 01904 375 029
Studio/competitions 01904 375 030
Email YorkMix Radio »
Selby Superbowl, Bawtry Road, Selby  YO8 8NA
YorkMix is a trading name of YorkMix Media Ltd
Registered in England
Company number: 07814727
VAT number: 154 0364 34
© York Sound Ltd

Copyright © 2023 YorkMix Media Ltd

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT