Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 partners with Chestnut Carbon to restore 200 hectares of land, planting 260,000 trees to offset emissions and boost biodiversity

A typical passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ per year, or roughly 400g of CO₂ per mile.

To help tackle these figures, leading automotive company Mercedes is joining forces with Chestnut Carbon –  a nature based carbon developer. 

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s collaboration will support high quality carbon removal projects across the Southeastern United States.

The Mercedes and Chestnut collaboration

The collaboration is set to restore 200 hectares of degraded agricultural acreage, transforming it into biodiverse forests by planting more than 260,000 trees. 

The work with Chestnut is set to deliver impactful climate projects that scale the restoration of damaged land. 

Chestnut Carbon’s projects focus on land previously used for monocrops and methane-heavy cattle production. 

The projects will improve air and water quality as well as biodiversity of the region whilst also bringing economic benefits to rural communities from the sourcing of local seedlings, hiring resident experts and employing local people for planting. 

“We are determined to lead by example in the pursuit of sustainability,” explains Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. 

“We’re excited about the growth of our sport in the United States and committed to supporting projects there as we work towards our goals.

"This collaboration is an important step in our strategy to address residual emissions in our carbon footprint. It underscores our commitment to become one of the most sustainable global sports teams.”

By collaborating with Chestnut Carbon, the F1 team has chosen to invest in a project that is registered with the Gold Standard for Global Goals. 

This standard sits under one of the most rigorous forest carbon methodologies, with highly conservative carbon accounting, third-party auditing and unassailable additionality.

Mercedes’ collaboration with Chestnut also helps to secure the company nature-based carbon removal credits that will compensate for future residual emissions. 

The carbon credits purchased equate to 5,500 tonnes of CO₂, set to be delivered between 2027 and 2030.

About Chestnut

Chestnut acquires marginal crop and pasture lands and then partners with local foresters, nurseries and community members – benefitting local communities. 

Working with local foresters allows for the development of ideal forest ecosystems based on native tree species, soil, drainage and community land use.

To date, Chestnut Carbon has planted more than 10 million trees, with a diverse mix of native pine and 18 different hardwood species that will capture and remove more than one million tonnes of carbon by 2040.

The planting of 10 million trees is just a fraction of Chestnut’s goal to restore more than 100,000 acres of land by 2030. 

The restoration of 100,000 acres will lead to more than 100 million tons of carbon removed from the atmosphere. 

“We are excited to be working with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to advance their carbon removal efforts using high-quality nature-based solutions,” says Ben Dell, CEO, Chestnut Carbon. 

“Our commitment to the long-term success and sustainability of these projects is unwavering, which is why we prioritise the permanence of our initiatives.

"This commitment is reflected in our ownership of the land and our 100-year project design. Additionally, we have developed a comprehensive Community Engagement plan to ensure transparent communication and positive relationships with local stakeholders, reinforcing our dedication to both environmental stewardship and community support."

The company currently has more than 20,000 acres planted and more than 30,000 acres under ownership. 

Mercedes F1 sustainability

The Mercedes group is no stranger to sustainability, regardless of whether it's producing an EV, passenger or F1 model.

Previously Mercedes has collaborated with Mylo to produce plant-based leather in its EV vehicles, using mushrooms, cacti and bamboo as sustainable leathers.

In 2023, the F1 team ensured that 100% of its electricity used at its factory came from renewable energy and saved 339 tCO2e whilst also reducing 67% of emissions from race and hospitality trucks as well as generators. 

The reduction came from the use of HVO100 – a Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil biofuel.

“Working with Chestnut Carbon is another step in our mission to drive sustainability and environmental responsibility within the motorsport industry,” shares Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. 

“Our collaboration allows us to support projects that not only sequester carbon but also enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and provide economic benefits to local communities.

"These efforts are integral to our goal of fostering ecological protection and our commitment to protect and enhance local habitats. This latest investment forms a key part of our broader portfolio of nature and tech-based carbon removal initiatives.”

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