Launched in 2022 with support from the EU’s Erasmus+ Sport programme, the GAMES project has introduced a comprehensive report titled ‘Guidelines on Decarbonisation Practices for Athletics, Biathlon, and Floorball.’
Led by the Institute of Management at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in collaboration with World Athletics, the International Biathlon Union (IBU), the International Floorball Federation (IFF), the Swedish Floorball Federation and Touchline, the project aims to promote climate change mitigation practices within the sports industry, particularly at events.
The report draws insights from thorough research and on-site evaluations conducted at major events hosted by World Athletics, IBU and IFF. It provides actionable recommendations to empower sports organisations, event organisers and stakeholders to reduce their carbon footprint.
Central to the report are tailored guidelines for athletics, biathlon and floorball. By addressing specific challenges in each sport, these guidelines offer practical steps to promote sustainability and minimise environmental impact. These strategies provide a clear road map for the sports industry to contribute positively to climate change efforts.
The work and outcomes of the GAMES project are invaluable in defining IFF environmental guidelines for our event organisers. This report together with the outcomes from the past World Floorball Championships (WFC) 2022 Green Goal initiative gives evidence on what to focus on for maximal results, explains Tero Kalsta from the IFF. We are working closely with the Swedish Federation to leverage the report results for WFC 2024.
The report emphasises the crucial role of governance within the sports sector. International and national federations play a significant role in shaping regulations and promoting sustainability. The report endorses the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology, supported by recognised ISO standards. It highlights the importance of audits and assessments in monitoring progress and emphasises stakeholder engagement in driving environmentally friendly initiatives.
Additionally, the report includes a comprehensive database with over 70 examples of eco-friendly solutions in sports, covering areas such as energy, mobility, materials, food, waste, biodiversity and water management. This database underscores the complex nature of the sports sector and the need for sustainable approaches.
Tiberio Daddi, Associate Professor at the Institute of Management at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, said, “This report offers practical guidelines for environmental management and climate action in sports, focusing on both organisational governance and operational aspects for sustainability in sporting events.”
(Source: GAMES project website)
You can read the full report here.
