The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has become the first FIA National Sporting Authority (ASN) to achieve the highest environmental accreditation in the FIA Institute's Sustainability Programme.

The MSA was awarded with Achievement of Excellence having implemented a number of measures since it gained the second level of accreditation earlier this year.

One of the major developments has been the implementation of a new Environmental Management System (EMS) manual, with input from a number of environmental experts. The EMS, developed by the MSA based on FIA Institute principles, is designed to identify future environmental risks, improve energy efficiency and promote environmental awareness.

The system put in place by the MSA will further help to increase ecological awareness and efficiency within the motor sport industry in the UK. The organisation has also continued to develop its policies, procedures and routines in its day-to-day operations to reduce its environmental impact.

Rob Jones, MSA Chief Executive, said: "The MSA has a long history as a world leader in many aspects of motor sport, so we are delighted to become the first ASN to receive the FIA Institute's Achievement of Excellence environmental accreditation. We are committed to our environmental responsibility and will continue to strive for even greater efficiency in all aspects of our operations as the national governing body of UK motor sport."

FIA Institute President Gérard Saillant said: "Since its first application, the MSA has continued to demonstrate a strong environmental commitment. We are delighted that it is the first ASN to achieve environmental excellence and we look forward to many others reaching this level."

The Sustainability Programme, created by the FIA and FIA Institute, aims to improve sustainability across motor sport globally. Stakeholders that sign up for Environmental Accreditation are rated against three levels of performance, thus measuring their achievement and providing a benchmark against which to improve.