IMS receives ‘Responsible Sport’ certification
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has received a silver-level organizational certification from the Oregon-based Council for Responsible Sport. The Speedway says it is the first sports facility to achieve the certification, which recognizes commitment to positive environmental and social impacts.
The Council for Responsible Sport, which debuted the organizational certification in 2021, bases the certifications on principles such as power of sport, resolution of climate change, enablement of social justice and business of sport.
IMS previously earned certification for the Indianapolis 500 as a responsible event in 2021.
“This is a monumental and impactful achievement for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, earned through a comprehensive commitment to innovation and hard work that safeguards our community and leads the way in our sport,” IMS President Douglas Boles said in a news release. “We learned a lot in 2021 when we received our event certification for the Indy 500. That process helped us get to this moment, where we are now tracking the impact of our events throughout the year and implementing systemic programs that yield results.”
IMS said it has implemented year-round environmental and social impact tracking for the more than 300 events it hosts each year. The Speedway is also developing a diversity, equity and inclusion plan, as well as eliminating single-use plastic and Styrofoam in office spaces and prioritizing purchases from women- and minority-owned businesses.
“IMS’ commitment to embrace social and environmental realities and to implement a systematic approach to setting goals, adapting operations and measuring progress is outstanding,” said Rico Tesio, council for responsible sport board chair. “Achieving Responsible Sport certification at an organizational level is not only a real milestone in the venue’s own storied history but also demonstrates leadership in motorsport and beyond and should be celebrated as vigorously as any checkered flag waved on the famous Yard of Bricks.”
The council’s organizational certification is earned through actions within five categories: planning and communications, procurement, resource management, access and equity, and community legacy.