How can you plan an eco-friendly sports event?

1 Assess your impact

Before you start planning your eco-friendly sports event, you need to assess your current environmental impact and identify areas for improvement. You can use tools such as the Event Sustainability Management System (ESMS) or the Sustainable Event Alliance (SEA) to measure and monitor your carbon footprint, waste generation, water consumption, energy use, and social responsibility. By doing this, you will be able to set realistic and measurable targets, prioritize actions, and track your progress.

2 Choose a green venue

One of the most important decisions you will make for your eco-friendly sports event is choosing a green venue. A green venue is one that has policies and practices that minimize its environmental impact and support your sustainability goals. For example, a green venue may have renewable energy sources, efficient lighting and heating systems, water-saving fixtures, recycling and composting facilities, and accessibility features. You can also look for venues that have certifications or awards from recognized organizations such as LEED, ISO 20121, or Green Key.

3 Reduce your waste

Waste reduction is a key aspect of planning an eco-friendly sports event. You can reduce your waste by adopting the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. For example, you can reduce your waste by using digital platforms for registration, communication, and promotion, avoiding single-use items such as plastic bottles and cups, and sourcing local and organic food and beverages. You can reuse your waste by donating leftover food and materials to local charities, using reusable or biodegradable containers and utensils, and renting or borrowing equipment and furniture. You can recycle your waste by providing separate bins for different types of waste, working with waste management companies that offer recycling services, and educating your staff and participants about proper waste disposal.

4 Engage your stakeholders

Planning an eco-friendly sports event is not a solo effort. You need to engage your stakeholders, such as sponsors, suppliers, staff, participants, media, and community, in your sustainability efforts. You can engage your stakeholders by communicating your vision and goals, seeking their feedback and input, offering incentives and recognition, and creating opportunities for collaboration and learning. By engaging your stakeholders, you will not only enhance your credibility and reputation, but also create a positive and lasting impact on your environment and society.

5 Evaluate your results

After your eco-friendly sports event is over, you need to evaluate your results and report on your achievements and challenges. You can use the same tools and indicators that you used to assess your impact before the event to measure and compare your performance. You can also collect feedback from your stakeholders, such as surveys, interviews, or testimonials, to understand their satisfaction and expectations. By evaluating your results, you will be able to celebrate your successes, identify areas for improvement, and share your learnings and best practices with others.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?