Environment

Extreme World Races respects the fragile and precious nature of the Antarctic environment and at the same time recognizes that increasing numbers of people wish to experience the wonder of this spectacular region for themselves and embrace the physical challenge that it presents.

Our aim is to help preserve these magical lands for future generations to enjoy and explore. We intend to do this by leading the way in responsible and sustainable operations in Antarctica.

EWR have identified three key environmental standards that we work by in every region of the world in which we operate. These are:

1. ‘Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time.’

2. Use innovation and new technologies to reduce or offset all carbon emissions.

3. Create and maintain a positive legacy in every region in which we operate.

In Antarctica these standards translate into the following positive actions:

1. ‘Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time’

EWR is fully compliant with the Protocol of Environmental Protection adopted by the Antarctic Treaty in 1991, which protects the scientific and aesthetic values of the Antarctic environment.

Fundamental to EWR’s environmental policy is the removal and responsible disposal of all waste from remote regions. The well-being and safety of flora and fauna native to the regions in which we operate takes priority over all EWR’s activities.

Those taking part in the races organized by EWR are given comprehensive instruction in EWR’s environmental policy and EWR operates a zero tolerance approach to anyone failing to follow these regulations, particularly concerning interference with flora and fauna or the removal of geological, biological or historical samples.

Please read our Environmental Guidelines

2. Use innovation and new technologies to reduce or offset all carbon emissions.

Extreme World Races have undertaken a detailed audit to determine its carbon footprint. Using this information we have developed a carbon offset programme, which, through the planting of trees in our privately owned site of special scientific interest (SSSI) in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we continue to meet successfully.

Currently, our operations in the Arctic require the planting of 22 trees each year and our operations in the Antarctic require the planting of 36 trees. So far we have exceeded this target and we will continue to do so.

We are also continually looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint. We embrace new, green technologies and work closely with manufacturers for new product development and technology enhancement. We worked with automotive manufacturers to develop modified 4x4s, which are used to support Antarctic activities. The modified vehicles are cleaner than all other forms of transport used in Polar environments. To date, EWR has invested approximately £350,000 in the development of these vehicles and are committed to continue investment to improve even further.

EWR has set a precedent for a cleaner and more efficient style of vehicle and is currently undertaking a British Antarctic Territory funded project to establish guidelines for the best practise use of vehicles in Antarctica.

Visit BAT Project

3. Create and maintain a positive legacy in every region in which we operate.

Embedded in all of our work is the priority to impart knowledge and educate others in what we do, from geographical information about where the races are held, associated environmental issues and how we offset these, and any relevant scientific information such as appropriate training and nutrition strategies for our races.

In Antarctica, EWR aims to take this principle one step further by the establishment of the Antarctic Centre for Exploration (ACE) which, this year, will enable two students from two different British Universities to undertake scientific research in Antarctica