The UK’s Anglesey Circuit (above) has won the 2016 MSA Environmental Award, an award designed to recognise outstanding achievement or contribution towards environmental responsibility and the active promotion of sustainability within motorsport.
The latest winner is a busy circuit within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that takes steps to balance its activities against environmental considerations. For example while the circuit was being reconfigured in 2007, rock was quarried on-site to save an estimated 3,500 wagon journeys, while more technologically complex processes included laying the asphalt cold. Designating two Sites of Special Scientific Interest after the circuit was established is also indicative of thorough environmental planning.
A major undertaking for the venue has been working closely with the local authority’s environmental health department and acoustic consultants to manage noise. This has included forming a community liaison group and investing in state-of-the-art noise monitoring equipment, which has benefitted all parties. In 2015 the Isle of Anglesey County Council won the Noise Abatement Society’s John Connell Award for its work with Anglesey Circuit.
The circuit continues to work closely with clients to maintain the balance of activity that allows for mid-week operation, while respecting the local community and the stringent planning conditions that apply.
“In today’s world, organisations of all kinds must respect environmental factors in their operations and motorsport is no different,” explained Rob Jones, MSA chief executive. “Anglesey Circuit’s positive and proactive engagement with the Local Authority and community is a model for others to follow, and shows that responsible motorsport activity can be compatible even with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
“The whole team here at Anglesey Circuit is thrilled to win this award,” added Andrew Môn Hughes, Anglesey Circuit’s press officer and environmental champion. “It will start our 25th anniversary year off on a very high note and will, I am sure, inspire us to take even greater steps to improve our environmental performance.”
