Dick Johnson Racing has become the first Repco Supercars Championship team to attain the highest level in the FIA’s Three Star Environmental Accreditation system.

The accreditation was received as part of the team’s four-part plan that helped them become the first carbon neutral Supercars team. 

Helping the highly successful Supercars outfit receive three stars and become carbon neutral was certified Environmental Practitioner, Colin Trinder, who played an integral role in helping Motorsport Australia receive three stars last year.

After going through DJR’s greenhouse gas emissions for 2020, Trinder and DJR established their Environmental Management Plan and Quality Management System, finalising the policy in July.

The four key priorities, which included increasing recycling, reducing waste and shifting to 100 per cent renewable energy, were the main driving factors in DJR’s plans to substantially reduce and offset any carbon emissions in the team’s operations.

In addition to the four-part policy, DJR has been working to improve habitats and biodiversity recovery by planting more than 17,000 trees – 5,100 of which were planted in Australia through Trees For Life and the remaining 12,000 in Nepal, India, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar with Tree-Nation.

Dick Johnson Racing co-owner Ryan Story was incredibly proud of the team’s achievement. 

“Innovation, professionalism, efficiency and technology are at the heart of what we do and drive success for Dick Johnson Racing on the racetrack,” Story said.

“Becoming Australia’s first carbon neutral motor racing team and the first touring car team to achieve the FIA Three Star Environmental Accreditation is an exciting moment for our whole organisation and a great milestone in the more than 40-year history of DJR.

“We believe in it for our team and business and others might choose to follow suit in their own way.”

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser congratulated the Queensland based team for their efforts.

“Dick Johnson Racing have always kept a strong connection with their fans and supporters,” Fraser said.

“This is an exciting announcement and follows Motorsport Australia embracing a carbon neutral future with our FIA Environmental Accreditation. Well done to DJR.”

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca echoed Fraser’s comments, paying tribute to Story and DJR.

“Ryan is someone we enjoy working closely with in his role as chair of the Australian Motor Racing Commission. His leadership is something that has reinvigorated that body,” Fraser said.

“Being the first carbon neutral motor racing team here in Australia is exceptional and a great tribute to Dick Johnson Racing.”

Since coming up with the policy, the team has appointed engineer Brad Eyes as its first Environment and Sustainability manager, as well as becoming a member of the Sports Environmental Alliance.

DJR’s Environmental Policy

1. Increasing recycling and reducing waste going to landfill from DJR’s operations;
2. Shifting to 100% renewable energy at our Stapylton, Queensland headquarters.
3. Funding new renewable energy projects which help offset DJR’s greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Reducing total energy use in its business operations and freight logistics.