The World Solar Challenge seeks, by its very nature, to draw attention to the imperatives of sustainable transport.

The World Solar Challenge promotes research into zero emission transport solutions. The vast array of interim technologies designed to lighten the transport impact on the environment are featured in the challenge and its associated events. In particular, the Greenfleet Class showcases emerging technologies promulgated as solutions for the future.

As an integral part of the business of sustainability, it is the mission of The World Solar Challenge to do more with less. To demonstrate, by example, that best practice in all aspects of event operations can make a positive contribution to the ideals of sustainability and promote the acceptance of these principals in others.

It is recognised that The World Solar Challenge passes through remote and ecologically sensitive areas. The event actively discourages the use of disposable materials, especially catering items, and in addition to the personal waste management strategies, teams are required to file, in advance of the event, their environmental management plan for dealing with any hazardous waste that may be produced as a result of their solar challenge activities.

Wherever possible, official vehicles used in running the event are amongst those having the least environmental impact. The direct environmental impact of The World Solar Challenge operation is the production of carbon from the consumption of fossil fuels of official vehicles, which is offset by a tree-planting program. The 2003 World Solar Challenge resulted in around 200 trees being planted in rural Australia.