Sport is one of the most popular activities in the world, with countless players practising it every day and an embarrassment of riches as to which one to play. However, sport also has a significant environmental impact, which can include greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption and waste production.
The environmental impact of sport and sustainable sport
How sustainable is sport? According to a study by the United Nations Organisation, the sports sector produces between 1% and 2% of global greenhouse gasemissions.
This impact is due to a number of factors, including: the large amount of materials and resources required for the construction of sports facilities, such as concrete, steel, glass, as well as those required for regular maintenance and safety. The transport of athletes, spectators and equipment, activities that generate large amounts of traffic, which contribute to climate-changing emissions.
The production and disposal of sports equipment, which is often made of non-recyclable materials, currently ends up incinerated or in landfills.
In Italy, the Ministry of Ecological Transition defines the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) for public sports events. These criteria aim to identify the best design solution, product or service from an environmental point of view along the life cycle.
With regard to gadgets, for example, they must be useful, well-made, practical and space-saving. Sustainable mobility is another key aspect, which includes choosing sustainable and ecologically responsible accommodation in the vicinity of sports events.
In addition to CAM, the Department for Sport published on 8 June 2023 guidelines for the organisation of sports events with low environmental impact, to provide clarity and direction to the sector.
The guidelines identify 10 fields of action each of which is associated with a set of measures and strategies for sustainability.
Sustainable sports initiatives
The use of green building, i.e. the use of sustainable techniques and materials for the construction of facilities, such as wood, bamboo or recycled concrete, recycled textiles are some of the elements that can contribute to a virtuous supply chain in the sports sector.
As well as the installation of renewable energy systems such as solar panels for hot water, photovoltaic systems or wind turbines for electricity; optimising energy consumption e.g. by using LED lighting technology, timed lighting, or reducing water consumption.
Sports facilities can also take measures to reduce waste production, e.g. by composting the organic part themselves, avoiding disposable waste and maximising separate waste collection.
There are concrete examples of sustainable sport. Teams can use electric or fuel-efficient buses to transport players and staff; events can be organised at times that limit the use of artificial lights; recycled or biodegradable materials can be used in the production of sports equipment.
Athletes can use reusable items, such as water bottles, or be encouraged to use reusable sports equipment made of recycled and easily recyclable material.
Sports event organisers can offer discounts (with possible agreements with public transport companies, metropolitan cities or municipalities) to spectators travelling by public transport or on foot.
Sports organisations can promote responsible consumption of food and drink at sports events, for example by reducing the use of single-use plastic and promoting the use of plant-based, local and seasonal products.
The emergence of sport-specific certifications (in addition to individual events) is a significant step towards sustainable practices.
In conclusion, sustainability in sport is a complex but fundamental challenge for the future of our planet. Besides being a necessity, sustainable sport is an opportunity to educate children and young people and inspire them towards a more forward-looking lifestyle.
Paris Olympics 2024
The Paris Olympics promises to be a sustainable event for sport. Indeed, the organisers of the Games have taken a number of measures to reduce the environmental impact of the event, including:
- The use of existing or temporary structures to avoid the construction of new facilities.
- The promotion of sustainable mobility, i.e. the use of public transport, bicycles and walking.
- The construction of sports facilities and equipment used during the games with sustainable materials.
- The consumption of food from short supply chain by trying to use French products (80 per cent of the total), 25 per cent of which come from places less than 250 km away from the competition venues, and by giving space to regional proposals. Great attention is also paid to organic and vegetarian products.
Play for the Planet