Thanks to a very enthusiastic André Noël Chaker, Second Day of Spark the Future Sustainability Forum was conducted in an amazing prolific way. It was a day to go beyond the word “sustainability” and understand more all its intrications.
Starting with a warm welcome from Mr. Timo Koivisto, the Mayor of Jyväskylä explained the positive impact of the rally on the city and his desire to become the first carbon-neutral city in the country. More important, he hopes the incredible media coverage of the Rally will give international visibility to the city and its efforts in becoming carbon neutral.
A more political view was then given by Mrs Henna Virkkunen, Member of the European Parliament and EU Commissioner candidate. She detailed how EU wants to promote democracy and freedom all over the world and how sports events bring people together, supporting and respecting all athletes. Mrs Virkkunen raised a very important point in how sustainability is not only about environment, but also social. She also insisted on how we have to rely on technology to improve our carbon-free mobility future, the target being on zero CO2 emission: “I am personally for the development of e fuels. The waste management at this rally is an example for all of us. Those examples can definitely boost the EU carbon neutral free program towards 2050.”
Her arguments were supported by Mr. Johannes Neft (Dr.-Ing. & Board Member for technical Development) through an explanation of the Skoda Motorsport approach to sustainability. “We have to speak about sustainability in a holistic way. Thus, motorsport must fit in our sustainability project. As we want to reduce our CO2 emissions by over 50%, we must work not only on reducing our carbon footprint but we also try to invent new things endlessly, work on E fuels or on bio composite parts for example. Together with the FIA and the Promoter, we all go in the same direction and the public needs to know what we are doing.”
Between two stakeholders, some poles were proposed to all participants who had to think about their relationship between sustainability and their own choices. For example, “How far is your organization in pursuing DEI in your organisation?” A smart way to reflect on our own participation.
To continue in a technical way, Mrs. Haruka Arai (Cefmof, Executive Director) and M. Lauri Perämäki, gave us an insight on co-creating carbon-neutral future through hydrogen. Their work that involves an intense collaboration between the city of Jyväskylä, Toyota Gazoo Racing, and Toyota Mobility Foundation is very promising. Hydrogen is definitely part of a sustainable future, and they hope to spread their experience beyond the Finnish frontiers. As the previous participants, they also insisted on changing people’s attitude towards a more carbon neutral attitude.
Talking about people, it was very interesting to listen to Chairperson for the Finnish League for Human Rights, Mr. Panu Mäenpää (Miltton, Director)
Very much involved in Human Rights, he explained how diversity matters and is part of a sustainable future. Through data, examples, and surveys, he skilfully convinced the audience of the importance of sustainable leadership as key to more resilient and successful businesses. In a few words, there is a strong link between empathy, resilience, diversity and sustainability.
To end the first part of the day, we heard Mr. Matias Henkola (Secto Automotive, Founder and Executive Chairman) and Mr. Heikki Kovalainen (Secto Automotive Labs, professional driver) and the innovations they’re working on. From e-Fuels to fossil-free vehicles or carbon-neutral tyres, their enthusiasm is endless! They want (and are) to be enablers for better solutions in a casual way. Their main goal is to change behaviours by showing the right example and they hope to get more manufacturers involved.. For sure, their “energy” is contagious!
Henkola said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to join the Spark the Future – The Nordic Sustainability Forum again. We are clearly all here pointing towards one common target: immediate, concrete solutions for a more sustainable future and a willingness to see progress happen."
“The ideas are endless and the sense of urgency is shared and inspiring. At Secto LABS we will continue pushing for sustainability while simultaneously enjoying the process, showcasing just how spectacular a sustainable future can be.”
The superstar Finn, Heikki Kovalainen said: “Having raced high-revving engines for my entire life, it really is a privilege to give back and contribute towards helping the sport become more responsible and a driving force for sustainability. Like in my days in F1, every effort is important to reach our goals. I am particularly proud to see that Finland is centre stage of this change.”
After a well-deserved break, participants were encouraged to listen to Mr. Martin Popilka (CEO, P1 Fuels). At first, Martin was quite dramatic, “five days ago was the hottest day ever on planet earth” and “50% of CO2 emissions in transport sector come from cars and vans”. But then, as a magician, he also came with some solutions; Clean Fuels for All. P1’s fossil-free gasoline that works in any internal combustion engine without modification. He reminded us of Akio Toyoda’s words: “CO2 is the enemy, not the engine.” Martin has already demonstrated that it is possible to replace fossil fuels without modifying engines: P1 Fuels is the first 100% fossil-free gasoline to power a world championship ie the WRC. It can be used by all types of vehicles, including classic cars. The next step now being to provide all passenger cars as it already meets road fuel regulation but remains more expensive in total. Nevertheless, a brilliant demonstration of innovation, bravery, and optimism!
To end a very prolific forum, Mr. Marc de Jong (Head of Business Development, WRC Promoter) and Marko Viitanen (CEO, NEP Finland) developed jointly the WRC Championships and Event Organisers’ actions towards Sustainability.
First, Marc presented the Sustainability Roadbook by WRC promoter and rallycross promoter and its 5 priorities: Climate change mitigation, Biodiversity Protection, Responsible Management, Innovation, and Positive Social Impact. All priorities are already connected to solid projects, both supported and supervised. Rallying evolves in natural environment, around people and communities and has a responsibility in being part of the solution, not being the problem. It must encourage sustainable innovation by all means.
NEP CEO Marko Viitanen gave the example of the NEP TV production unit through a virtual visit of the Helsinki office. They now edit and produce with live cameras and have only the essential crews on the events.
Marc insists: “Rallying allows communication and promotion through a great audience around the world. It’s an amazing opportunity for messages, explain innovation on fuel, detail sustainable parts of the car, the list is endless, we must communicate, communicate and communicate!!”
To end the Forum, we witnessed a great collaboration between stakeholders: Sara Mariani (FIA) repeated that innovation is at the service of others, and asked what does it need to develop new technologies to its full potential, leaving a great door open. Marc mentioned changes of the EU policy that open our minds to more agnostic technology.
All acknowledge that it is a privilege to go around many countries and it implies that we share and teach each other, in a step-by-step process.
Our sport is definitely relevant for innovation.
We have learnt a lot today. Sustainability is not only about climate change, but also about resilience, innovation, and empathy. It is in the hands of enthusiastic partners who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with a bigger audience and will use the rally fans to spread the good words.
CEO of AKK, the organiser of Secto Rally Finland, Kimmo Vainio talked of the importance of hosting the two-day forum: “It’s impossible to overstate the importance of what's been talked about here in Jyväskylä for the last two days. Our sport and our industry is in a process of evolution with sustainable alternatives – for example here in our host city we see the use of hydrogen being integrated into the transport systems.
“The forum has demonstrated the energy, enthusiasm and determination to embrace the future and to have Secto Rally Finland as the stimulus for and the host of an event like this is incredibly positive. The attendance from stakeholders here to inform and enlighten and from those here to gain insight into future technologies has been fantastic. It’s been a very, very positive two days.”
We await you in August 2025 for more projects, starting with our next Spark the Future Sustainability Forum!
- - -
Spark the Future Nordic Sustainability Forum is organised in conjunction with Secto Rally Finland on the 1st and 2nd of August 2024 in Jyväskylä, at the Paviljonki Rally Headquarters. The Forum focuses on mobility related current topics from the whole society’s perspective. The first edition of the Forum was organised in 2023, and for 2024 it has grown to become a two-day event with even more exciting and interesting content.
Photos attached, more photos here.