The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has joined forces with nature-based carbon developer Chestnut Carbon to support what it calls ‘high-quality carbon removal projects’ across the Southeastern United States.
The team says its collab with Chestnut Carbon will help to deliver impactful climate projects that scale the rejuvenation of damaged land. The first project is the restoration of 200 hectares of degraded agricultural acreage into vibrant biodiverse forests through the planting of over 260,000 native trees.
Although emissions reduction remains a primary focus, the team says it recognises that some areas its carbon footprint may have residual emissions which will require removals of the highest quality, in line with the Oxford Offsetting Principles.
By investing in Chestnut Carbon now, the team says it’s securing nature-based carbon removal credits to compensate for future residual emissions and encouraging the growth of the sector.
Its forward purchase of credits, set to be delivered between 2027 and 2030, equates to 5,500 tonnes of CO2 as it looks to reduce overall emissions reduction with a target of Race Team Control Net Zero by 2030.
Chestnut Carbon’s projects focus on land previously used for monocrops and methane-heavy cattle production. To date, Chestnut Carbon have planted over 10 million trees, with a diverse mix of native pine and 18 different hardwood species that will capture and remove over one million tonnes of carbon by 2040.
In addition to restoring degraded crop and pasture lands to healthy forests, the projects that Mercerdes-AMG be supporting also improve the air, water and biodiversity of the region and bring economic benefits to rural communities by sourcing seedlings locally, hiring resident experts, and employing local people for planting activities.