Why Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds Set out to Break Sport's Rules

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has discussed the racing series earning B Corp Certification, the first sport in the world to achieve such recognition. 

The award is centred around the sport's decade-long leadership in using its platform for positive change. 

The announcement was made at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, cementing an ongoing shift in how global sports organisations and their leaders approach sustainability and social impact.

Jeff says: "We didn't set out to join a club; we set out to break the rules of what a global sport is allowed to be. 

“B Corp Certification is the proof that we are driven by a different energy, one where elite performance and world-moving purpose belong in the same story."

Achieving the certification milestone

By securing B Corp certified status, Formula E is working towards its mission to "Make Progress Thrilling", an ambition to drive the sports industry to prioritise impact over spectacle. 

The organisation has achieved this certification through support from its partners, including ABB, Infosys, Google Cloud and DHL.

Julia Pallé, VP Sustainability at Formula E, said in a statement: "Becoming B Corp certified is a powerful recognition that electric racing can do more than inspire, it can drive real, measurable change. 

“Formula E has always been focused on impact – not just pledges supporting charities or carbon reduction – investing in renewable energy and working directly with local communities in every city we race."

The announcement follows the recent global launch of the GEN4 electric car, the most advanced vehicle in Formula E's history. 

The vehicle features 100% recyclable construction and 20% recycled materials, whilst being designed for racing at 200 mph. It will see its race debut next season.

Social and environmental impact

According to Formula E, the critical elements for its B Corp certification were the strong social and environmental standards at race events, as well as meaningful contributions to local communities through its social impact programmes.

The organisation's goal is to change the perception of electric vehicles and accelerate the shift towards electric mobility. 

It operates as a testbed for leading automotive manufacturers – including Porsche, Nissan, Jaguar and Stellantis – to push the development of new technologies.

"Most see sustainability as a seminar or a boardroom box to tick," Jeff says, "we see it happening at 200 mph around a corner in your city. 

“Whether it's pioneering sustainable aviation fuel or engineering a 100% recyclable race car, we are here to show the world that progress isn't just necessary, it's visceral. This isn't a milestone to celebrate standing still; it's a license to go even faster."

The B Corp community

B Lab is a non-profit network which certifies companies that are leading the way in terms of sustainability commitments and growth. 

Its mission is to transform the global economy in order to benefit all people, communities and the planet.

The organisation has certified more than 10,000 B Corps across 102 countries and 160 industries, recognising their benefits to the environment and a sustainable society. 

As a B Corp, Formula E joins the global community of brands and businesses including Patagonia, Ben & Jerry's and Danone.

B Corp certification requires companies to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. 

Certified companies must achieve a minimum score on the B Impact Assessment, which evaluates their impact on workers, customers, community and the environment.

Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, says in a statement: "Welcoming Formula E to the B Corp community marks an exciting milestone for the entire sports industry, while showcasing the increasing momentum and global reach of the B Corp movement. 

“Formula E's industry leadership and commitment to driving meaningful change recognises that success and purpose have never been mutually exclusive and that positive impact is possible for companies in any sector and of all sizes."