Brazil Olympic Forest is a pioneering ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation project led by the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) in partnership with the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Institute (IDSM). Located in the Tefé National Forest in the heart of the Amazon, the project aims to restore 6.3 hectares of secondary forest and offset 4,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, as part of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Forest Network.

What sets the initiative apart is its community-driven model. Indigenous and riverside residents are engaged in every phase—seed collection, seedling production, planting, and biodiversity monitoring—blending technical training with traditional knowledge. Over 800 seedlings from 21 native species have already been produced, and restoration is guided by species chosen by the communities for both ecological and economic value.

The project also features biodiversity monitoring using bioindicator species and offers internships to local students through a partnership with the Federal Institute of Amazonas (IFAM). Plans include establishing a seed bank and green entrepreneurship initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability.

More than a reforestation effort, Brazil Olympic Forest inspires a new way of connecting sport, nature, and social justice—building local capacity, strengthening ecological awareness, and leaving a living legacy in the Amazon.

In Balance With Nature: Trakai 2025 World Rowing U19 Championships is a biodiversity project led by World Rowing and supported by the Canton de Vaud (office cantonal de la durabilité et du climat). This pilot integrates biodiversity assessment and action directly into the planning and operations of a major international sporting event.

Set within Trakai Historical National Park, a landscape of rich aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, the project applies the bloomUp Biodiversity Compass—a comprehensive tool helping organisations assess, protect, restore, and regenerate biodiversity. It evaluates biodiversity performance across four pillars and 34 indicators aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework and IUCN Sports for Nature.

Assessment results aim to support the Healthy Waters Alliance, an initiative by World Rowing and WWF to raise awareness about healthy rivers, lakes, and coastal ecosystems, and prepare concrete actions for future World Rowing events, including the 2026 World Rowing Championships. An infographic biodiversity map of Trakai, visualising the event’s ecological footprint, will support clear, engaging communication with a wider audience.

Through digital visualisation and stakeholder collaboration, the project will set a benchmark for how sport can positively impact nature. It will serve as a replicable model for biodiversity-positive Rowing events and inspire other sports globally.

Global biodiversity is in decline, including in the Middle East. Historically, there have been limited recorded wildlife observations in the UAE, so this event aimed to boost the number of local citizen science observations.

Desert Vipers – a cricket franchise playing in the DP World ILT20 league in the UAE – undertook a BioBlitz Blast at their team hotel, JA The Resort, with Nature Wave and students from Jebel Ali School. The event lasted 90 minutes, with groups recording species at three locations on-site at the hotel using the global iNaturalist platform, competing against each other to record the most species.

The hotel uses treated wastewater to create a stunning area for its guests, cultivating several dozen irrigated plant species. It is also situated next to the sea, meaning there are a range of different habitats, so this solution aimed to understand in greater detail how many species were being supported by the site.

In total, 97 species were recorded over 310 observations, and all parties involved learnt a great deal about nature and biodiversity.

In March 2025, the Miami Heat partnered with a local university for the Rescue a Reef initiative, which focuses on restoring and protecting the endangered coral reefs of South Florida. The program, led by UM’s coral conservation team, unites researchers, students, and community members in coral research and restoration, aiming to rebuild coral populations in the wild.

The project is unique for its integration of community-driven sustainability efforts. Through the Kaseya Center’s recycling program, for every pound of aluminum and glass recycled during events, $1 is donated to Rescue a Reef, directly funding coral restoration. This innovative model links sustainability at the venue with environmental impact.

So far, the project has contributed to the out-planting of nearly 190 corals, and the Miami Heat plans to continue the initiative through the 2025-26 NBA season. The Heat also plans to incorporate employee volunteer days for coral out-planting, ensuring the project leaves a lasting impact on the local ecosystem and community. This long-term commitment offers valuable insights for other biodiversity projects globally.

Tottenham Hotspur FC has become the first sports organisation to implement smart sound biodiversity monitoring systems at its world-class Training Centre in Enfield. Working with two innovative companies, the club is spearheading a ground-breaking initiative to track, protect, and enhance local biodiversity.

This pioneering approach further underlines Tottenham’s deep commitment to sustainability, natural habitat preservation, and biodiversity enhancement as part of its comprehensive environmental strategy.

Since September 2024, passive acoustic sensors have been deployed across the training ground to monitor real-time bee activity — a vital pollinator species. The other monitoring system monitors bird species and interactions within specific natural habitats using advanced sound technology.

Together, these monitoring systems offer Tottenham a powerful tool to track and improve biodiversity levels at its training facility. These insights are actively informing habitat management decisions. By integrating advanced biodiversity monitoring into elite sport, Tottenham Hotspur is setting a new standard for nature-positive action in professional sports. The project not only benefits local ecosystems but also provides a replicable model for other organisations globally, demonstrating how cutting-edge technology and sports facilities can work together to support the natural environment.

The Marine Mammal Advisory Group (MMAG) brings together global stakeholders to protect biodiversity and reduce marine mammal strikes in the sport of sailing. While collision risk can never be fully eliminated, MMAG works to minimize risk and improve data collection and reporting – critical steps toward more effective mitigation. 

By gathering data through personal interviews, global surveys, and dedicated hazard reporting systems, MMAG has increased data from reported incidents in the sailing sector by 500%. Its Marine Strike Log informs key resources like the “global heat map,” which identifies high-risk collision zones. This data, plus the MMAG Intranet of free education resources launched in 2025, and MMAG’s expert support team, are now used by sail racing events around the world to guide routing and reduce risk. 

MMAG’s comprehensive dataset has become a benchmark for the wider maritime industry. Through shared insights and collaboration, MMAG helps ensure safer seas for marine mammals while supporting the continued growth of global sailing. 

Sporting Nature is a pioneering project that brings biodiversity and climate action to life through grassroots sport. Led by Ulster GAA in partnership with RSPB NI, NI Water, and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the project empowers GAA clubs across Northern Ireland to transform their grounds into thriving habitats for nature.

With over 30 clubs involved, the project delivered tailored Biodiversity Action Plans, created more than 5,000m² of wildflower meadows and planted 1,000+ native trees. By embedding nature-focused thinking into the heart of club culture, Sporting Nature is changing how communities interact with and value their local environment.

Sporting Nature has developed a replicable Toolkit and Handbook to share its learning, ensuring that its impact continues to grow. It proves that even the most familiar community spaces—like sports fields—can play a vital role in tackling the nature crisis and inspiring environmental change.

With its biodiversity project VfB Earth, VfB Stuttgart is showing how professional soccer can take on social responsibility. The replaced stadium turf from the MHP Arena – marked by the 2023/24 runner-up season and UEFA EURO 2024 – is not disposed of but converted into a high-quality substrate.

This nutrient-rich soil stores water, permanently improves soil quality and binds CO₂ in the soil. This creates a regional material cycle with a measurable climate effect and ecological impact.

VfB Earth was distributed free of charge to social institutions, schools, and sustainable projects in Stuttgart. This not only promoted environmental education – a piece of soccer history found its way into gardens and flower beds throughout the region.

The project is long-term and will continue when the arena’s turf is replaced in 2025. In addition, workshops and educational partnerships are planned to impart knowledge about soil health, circular economy, and climate protection.

VfB Earth combines emotion with environmental awareness, the past with the future – and makes sustainability in professional sport tangible. The project has a local, emotional, and ecological impact. It sets new standards for sustainable action in soccer and shows how concrete future developments can arise from living tradition.

In this third annual edition of the EcoAthletes Collegiate Champions Cup, 29 EcoAthletes Champions recruited their teammates, friends, and family to sign up for their team in the Climategames app. There, the participants’ exercise — running, walking, swimming, cycling, rowing and gym workouts — was converted into an environmental currency. Put simply, for every kilometer or mile run/walked/swam/cycled/rowed, and every minute of gym workouts, participants earned contributions toward an environmental project.

Funded by EcoAthletes partners Protect Where We Play and Earth Day Network, this year’s contributions supported vital coral restoration projects from the Coral Gardeners nonprofit.

The final Collegiate Cup scoreboard was impressive:

• 579 Cuppers took part, exceeding the combined total of the 2023 and 2024 Collegiate Cups

• They exercised for 7,721 hours, with a total distance of 43,523 km or 27,044 miles, which is greater than one trip around the world!

• The most impactful metric is that the combined exercise generated the planting and restoration of 3,373 corals in the South Pacific!

As a grassroots athlete-led campaign, the Collegiate Cup is perhaps the most important training ground for climate activism that exists in all of sport.

The Green Action League was a groundbreaking campaign that united four elite sports teams, Arsenal FC, Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche, in a global movement to turn sports fandom into climate action.

Launched by Ball Corporation, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, and Planet League, the campaign ran for three weeks and engaged over 9,000 fans from 171 countries. Fans earned “Green Points” by recycling, saving energy, eating plant-based meals and other greener living actions. The campaign was promoted through player-led content, in-venue activations, and global media, achieving 14 million impressions.

The results were transformative: over 41,500 verified actions were logged, 95% of participants reported feeling more motivated to live sustainably, and awareness of aluminum recycling increased by 45%. Sky Sports billed it as “the largest fan-led sustainability campaign in sports”.

More than a campaign, the Green Action League became a movement, creating a scalable blueprint for the sports industry to unite fans around environmental impact. By blending the emotional power of sport with climate action, it proved that when fans, teams, and partners work together, sustainability becomes not just possible, but powerful.

Protect Where We Play (PWWP) is a groundbreaking initiative launched by Ocean Conservancy with 17 Sport to unite fans, athletes, and performers around ocean conservation and climate action. By harnessing the influence of trusted voices in sports and entertainment, the campaign turns shared passions into a platform for change, already reaching millions within just five months since launching.

With over 94,000 website visitors, nearly 60,000 subscribers, and strategic partnerships across sports and sustainability leaders, PWWP has quickly built credibility and momentum. Its messaging, apolitical, inclusive, and hopeful, resonates especially with Gen Z, offering simple, science-backed steps to protect our ocean. At the heart of PWWP is Team Ocean, led by a powerful roster of athlete and artist captains. The campaign pairs digital storytelling with real-world activations, including a reusable cup tour estimated to eliminate 1 million single-use plastics.

Protect Where We Play’s next chapter will scale its impact with more global partners, deeper measurement tools, and continued behavioral nudges. More than a campaign, it’s a cultural movement that connects what we love with what the planet needs. Because if we want to keep playing, we have to Protect Where We Play.

1 in 4 professional clubs face partial or complete flooding within 25 years…Most grassroots sports won’t have the money or support to survive. For them, and us as sports lovers, it’ll be game over.

SAVE OUR GRASSROOTS is a campaign designed to help everyday people protect the at-risk grassroots places that made them the people they are today.

We create fun, imaginative and crazy events and campaigns that act as a bridge between the hard-working British public and the people in power who can save these beloved places from being decimated by flooding, extreme weather and climate damage.

Everyone wants to be able to watch their favourite team play, to play the sports they love and to feel real grass beneath their feet. The problem is that these issues are often are framed around liberal issues and international policy… and thus don’t connect with the average person.

Save our Grassroots is proudly a campaign for everyday British people to save the sports we love so dearly.

“Sin Azul No Hay Verde”: Real Betis’ Campaign for Ocean Protection

As part of its Forever Green sustainability platform, Real Betis launched “Sin Azul No Hay Verde” (“Without Blue, There Is No Green”), a groundbreaking campaign aimed at raising awareness about the invasion of Asian algae along the Andalusian coast—a direct consequence of climate change affecting marine biodiversity.

The campaign centered around the release of a special-edition football jersey made from invasive algae, making Real Betis the first football club to transform this marine waste into a powerful symbol of environmental action. The initiative combined digital outreach with impactful in-person events, including a press presentation in Tarifa (one of the most affected areas), the Forever Green Gala, and a themed matchday to amplify the message.

The campaign went beyond awareness by positioning ocean protection as part of football’s role in driving sustainability. It captured the attention of global media and inspired conversations among fans, institutions, and environmental organizations. By integrating sustainability into the realms of merchandising, brand identity, and community engagement, Real Betis demonstrated how sport can promote ecological responsibility.

“Sin Azul No Hay Verde” is more than a slogan—it’s a call to action

In October 2024, 135 professional footballers united in a powerful open letter to FIFA. The letter called for an end to its partnership with Saudi Aramco – the world’s largest state-owned oil company. The campaign, led by professional players Sofie Junge Pedersen, Tessel Middag and Katie Rood, challenged the contradiction between FIFA’s climate commitments and its ties to a major fossil fuel producer, while also bringing scrutiny to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

The campaign created a truly international message of solidarity, bringing together players from across five continents and 27 countries, with over 2,700 international caps between them. These efforts sparked global scrutiny of FIFA’s sponsorship ethics, generating over 2,750 media stories with a total advertising value equivalency of $108 million.

Despite FIFA’s silence in response to the letter, the players’ campaign successfully mobilised elite footballers as credible climate advocates and brought unprecedented worldwide attention to one of the most critical issues in global sport: the contradiction of climate-wrecking fossil fuel sponsorship in an industry already being reshaped by climate impacts. In doing so, it set a template for future athlete-led campaigns and encouraged greater scrutiny of sponsorship ethics across sports.

The 10th Istanbul Cup Carbon Footprint Report is the first environmental impact report ever produced for a grassroots sports event in Türkiye. Created in partnership with CarbonSmart, the report measured all greenhouse gas emissions generated by the tournament—from transportation and energy to materials and services—using internationally recognized standards.

Organized by Kızlar Sahada, the Istanbul Cup brings together corporate women’s football teams, promoting gender equality through sport since 2013. In 2024, the tournament took a major step forward by combining this social mission with environmental responsibility. The report aimed to raise awareness, encourage future action, and provide a transparent, replicable model for other sports organizations in Türkiye and beyond.

While the full impact will grow over time, the report has already begun to influence planning decisions for future events.

By connecting football, equality, and climate awareness, the Istanbul Cup Carbon Footprint Report sets a new standard for sustainability in grassroots sport and offers a meaningful example of how local initiatives can drive global conversations.

Munster Rugby’s 2024 Sustainability Report offers a fresh kind of climate communication- honest, human, and deeply rooted in the spirit of sport.

It’s an ode to the brave and faithful: supporters, players, staff, clubs, schools, and communities who make Munster what it is. Told in the club’s grounded voice, the story is action-led and science-informed, using rugby language to break down climate complexity into something relatable. The report mirrors the emotional arc of a rugby season- highs, lows, setbacks, and comebacks. Like sport and life, the journey is messy, imperfect, but real.

One notable section on climate adaptation shows how extreme weather affects operations, grassroots rugby, and communities. It reframes sport not just as vulnerable but as a source of resilience, solidarity, and leadership in tough times.

Created entirely in-house, the report has travelled organically- from pitch to classrooms to international forums. It doesn’t pretend to have all answers but chooses to show up, share what’s real, and invite others to do the same.

In a world of climate delay and green gloss, this story offers something rare: connection, courage, and hope- the belief that imperfect action isn’t just enough, it’s the way forward, and a last-minute turnaround remains possible.

The Desert Vipers Season 2 Plastic Impact Report is a first-of-its-kind report detailing the environmental impact from plastic consumption of a cricket franchise. The report showed that Desert Vipers used 7.26 tonnes of plastic in Season 2, with 98% of this virgin plastic, and kit accounting for 94% of plastic. These findings allowed Desert Vipers to implement changes in Season 3, where they have seen a 35% reduction in the amount of plastic, and an increase in recycled content from 2% to a staggering 86%.

Producing this report shone a light on sportswear, which often isn’t considered as plastic. However, the report shows that it has an enormous environmental impact, and allowed Desert Vipers to make changes to become the first cricket team to play a full season using fully recycled materials.

The report also features a case study on the partnership with Bluewater, which allowed Desert Vipers to become the first cricket team to successfully eliminate single-use plastic water bottles from the team environment. Through highlighting the successes and the areas for improvement, this report aimed to bring transparency to an issue that has previously been overlooked, and allow others to identify solutions to address plastic pollution.

The Sustainable Sport Index (SSI) is the first and only benchmarking report of its kind dedicated to evaluating the environmental and social sustainability performance of sports venues across North America. Now in its fifth year, SSI empowers professional, collegiate, and minor league venues to self-report data in key areas, such as energy and water use, waste diversion, environmental resilience, and more. In return, each participant is only listed in our anonymized benchmarking report along with a custom and confidential individualized report tailored to their operations.

Led by APTIM’s Sustainability Solutions team with year-round coordination by SSI lead Gabrielle Fleming. SSI provides a big-picture view of industry progress and practical, data-driven guidance to support on-the-ground improvements. Participation has grown significantly, from 41 venues in 2023 to 65 in 2024.

Offered at no cost, SSI has become a trusted reference point for teams, leagues, and venue operators, and its findings have been cited in strategic planning, internal reporting, and sustainability summits. By building a framework rooted in transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement, SSI is helping shift sport toward a leadership role in climate action, making sustainability accessible, measurable, and actionable for every venue, no matter its size or starting point.

Liverpool FC’s The Red Way Annual Report 2025 is a leading example of transparent, strategic, and inclusive sustainability reporting in sport. It moves beyond regulatory compliance to embed environmental, social, and governance performance into the heart of the Club’s operations and culture. Aligned with the GHG Protocol, ISO standards, PAS 2060, and UN Sports for Climate Action, the report presents clear KPIs across three pillars: Our Planet, Our People, and Our Communities.

It covers progress on critical topics such as Scope 3 emissions, circular economy, biodiversity, and social impact, while telling authentic stories from fans, players, and partners. Interactive features make the report engaging and accessible to a global audience.

With 128,000+ unique views, widespread media coverage, and sectoral influence through platforms like GOAL and the UN, the report sets a new benchmark in sport. It has led to concrete actions like zero waste-to-landfill at Anfield, SAF for team travel, and 52% supplier engagement with net-zero targets.

The Red Way Annual Report is a bold step towards climate leadership, sport sector transformation, and global environmental justice, demonstrating how football can lead the way to a better future.

The Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 Impact Report represents a thoughtful, transparent, and forward-looking approach to environmental responsibility in professional sports. The report highlights the team’s ongoing commitment to measuring impact, setting meaningful goals, and refining strategies based on real-world challenges. Rather than presenting a polished narrative, the Vikings offer an honest reflection on both successes and obstacles—acknowledging areas of progress while also identifying where external factors made goals difficult to achieve.

What makes this report stand out is its commitment to continuous improvement and its willingness to confront the complexities of environmental performance in a fast-paced, multi-venue, travel-heavy industry. The Vikings have embraced data as a tool for progress, not perfection—engaging stakeholders, adjusting methodologies for accuracy, and recognizing the broader systems in which they operate.

By transparently sharing their approach, the Vikings are setting a new standard for how professional sports teams can report on sustainability. Their work encourages others in the industry to take a similarly holistic view, pushing beyond basic recycling and energy savings to include hard-to-control areas like travel and third-party operations. This report serves as both a snapshot of progress and a roadmap for what’s possible, signaling long-term commitment to meaningful climate action.

Cricket for Climate is a player-led and collaborative movement founded by Australian Test Captain Pat Cummins, that has become a powerful model for climate action and advocacy through cricket. 

With 8 million fans in Australia and 2.5 billion fans globally, cricket is ideally placed to help bring about change. We use the power of cricket to fast-track climate and energy resilience solutions across community sport clubs. Backed by players, we drive public support, local action and policy that saves clubs money, builds community resilience and protects the future of sport. 

We’re walking the talk by taking real tangible action on exciting energy, sustainability, education and engagement projects. Our goals are to: 

• Build resilient clubs and communities – Transition cricket clubs and major venues to be carbon-negative, water-positive, zero-waste, and climate resilient.
• Grow climate leadership – Develop a network of cricket messengers  to normalise climate solutions.
• Influence global systemic action – Influence the cricket ecosystem – governments, corporates, fans players, other sports, cricket bodies globally – towards climate action. 

“Road to Japan” is a youth football exchange program led by Global Bridge Plus, bringing children from crisis-hit Myanmar to Japan’s World Challenge tournament.

Through sport, local community visits, and homestays, they gain global exposure, cultural learning, and friendships that transcend conflict. With 36 youth already empowered and plans to expand to girls’ and ASEAN participation, this grassroots initiative has created impact and peace—one pass at a time.

FAME Foundation’s Play it Dream It and Green Ball Project are community-led initiatives that use sport to drive social change and inspire young people to dream beyond their circumstances. Through structured football sessions, Play it Dream It provides adolescent girls, especially those living in displacement camps, with the tools to build self-esteem, understand their rights, and make informed decisions about their futures. It uses sport not just for fitness, but as a safe space for learning and connection.

The Green Ball Project extends this impact by introducing climate education in a practical, youth-friendly format. Activities like clean-up drives, environmental games, and climate talks in schools, IDPs and public spaces help children understand environmental issues and take meaningful action. Its sub-program, Project CLEAP, focuses on building climate knowledge in a fun and relatable way, ensuring even young learners are included in climate conversations.

These two initiatives stand out for their creativity, inclusiveness, and long-term impact. They meet communities where they are, using sport to open doors to learning, expression, and leadership. Together, they offer a powerful model for how local, sport-based programs can tackle serious issues like gender inequality and climate change with joy, relevance, and lasting results.

Reducing Community Waste: A team sport was developed by Sports Environment Alliance with the support of the Western Australian government to bring together 5 clubs, ranging in membership size and reach from regional grassroots clubs to city-based professional league clubs with a desire to reduce and improve their clubs’ waste management, recycling and resource recovery performance.

The community initiative was developed as an opportunity to establish, implement and/or strengthen community to elite sporting clubs internal systems for reducing waste and increasing recycling during the 2024 club season and beyond.

SPARK is a pioneering social innovation initiative that empowers youth through movement, creativity, and community connection. Born from the legacy of the 2020 Lausanne Youth Olympics (and the following COVID-19 crisis!) and designed in collaboration with medical experts and urban partners, SPARK combats rising physical inactivity, mental health challenges, and social isolation among youth—by going directly to them.

In 2024, the SPARK mobile format delivered 73 activation days across three cities in the Canton of Vaud, reaching over 9,000 participants through free and inclusive activities like boxing, rap writing, street dance, and nutrition workshops. With over 100 young volunteers and local coordinators engaged, the initiative builds real-world experience and fosters youth leadership.

Impact data shows that repeat participants feel more motivated to stay active and more connected to their community. SPARK’s influence is growing, inspiring municipal programs and institutional collaboration. As it prepares to scale through new formats like SPARK-Agora and SPARK-House, the initiative sets a new standard for youth health outreach—preventive, participatory, and powerful.

SPARK is more than a health program. It’s a youth-driven, systems-changing platform with the power to transform cities, strengthen communities, and help young people thrive.

Fulham Reach Boat Club’s environmental work empowers Londoners of all ages and backgrounds to take environmental action through the sport of rowing.

Since January 2024, the club has removed over 1,586 kg of rubbish from the river, introduced electric boats, and trained over 250 citizen scientists in water testing. Through free programmes for state school students and young people from underrepresented communities, FRBC is combining sport, sustainability, and social justice.

The project is a case study in British Rowing and Sport England’s strategies and is setting a standard for sustainable sport across the UK.

The Desert Vipers Schools Programme is a groundbreaking, fully-funded initiative that teaches cricket and sustainability to 8–13-year-olds across the UAE and India. Launched in November 2023, the programme has already reached over 14,000 students and 90 schools, combining physical activity with key environmental and wellbeing education.

Each school receives six free sessions, delivered by trained coaches using sustainability-themed minigames, alongside classroom sessions on mental health and real-world sustainability challenges. The initiative is underpinned by cricket’s only full-time Development Lead, Jack Luffman, and supported by partners such as Carrefour MAF, Bluewater Group, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and Sports for Nature.

Rapid growth has been matched by consistent delivery, thanks to standardised training, scalable session design, and ongoing community engagement. In 2025–26, the programme will expand further, aiming for 80 schools and 12,000+ students, and integrate into the DP World ILT20 tournament.

With the launch of the Desert Vipers Talent Pathway, Powered by Balqis, students now have a long-term vision to pursue both education and sport, creating a fully connected journey from grassroots to elite cricket, all underpinned by sustainability.

This unique, inclusive, and holistic initiative is redefining how sport can power community-led change.

This project brings together all the stakeholders of the Orange Vélodrome , enabling the development of a shared vision of reducing, sorting and recovering resources linked to the organization of the club’s home matches. The project’s objectives also extend to the club’s two other sites: the OM Campus and the Robert Louis-Dreyfus Training Center .

Two key actions are now integrated into the fan reception system at each match:

the installation of reusable cups in the Haut Jean Bouin Stand and the North Stand ,

and sorting waste on the forecourts and inside the Orange Vélodrome.

Dan is a trailblazer in sport and sustainability, with a 19-year career delivering transformative impact from grassroots clubs to global sport governance. Combining deep technical expertise with system-level thinking, he has led pioneering initiatives that are redefining how sport addresses climate change, biodiversity loss, and circularity.

He began by auditing over 400 UK clubs and marine businesses, driving measurable reductions in energy use, waste, and environmental impact. At World Sailing, he authored the Agenda 2030, founded the Carbon Fibre Circular Alliance, and launched Challenge 2024, which is now accelerating electric boat adoption worldwide.

Dan has worked across every level of sport. He developed sustainability strategies for 30 national governing bodies through UK Sport’s Accelerator programme, contributed to London 2012, and now supports the International Olympic Committee and numerous National Olympic Committees around the world.

As co-founder of the B-Corp consultancy Sporting Giants, he leads sustainability efforts for federations, brands, and events, including World Aquatics, COP28, the DP World Tour, and UK Sport.

Dan also gives back by volunteering with charities and sport organisations to embed sustainability from within.

Visionary, inclusive, and action-focused, Dan empowers others, raises standards, and demonstrates that sport can be a powerful driver of global environmental change

Being a leader is not about being the boss or giving speeches. It is about making things happen. David Stubbs has demonstrated this throughout his career – not just in sport – and he has been instrumental in driving large scale positive change for over 30 years.

When he started working in the sport sector in the late 1980s, very few people grasped the significance of this subject or the opportunities this could derive. He saw the opportunities and worked persistently to advocate this agenda.

His achievements at London 2012 are well documented. Less know is how since the Games he has continued the same mission and enabled fellow sustainability professionals to establish their programmes across a wide variety of sports events and organisations – IOC, World Rugby, Premier League and LTA to name a few.

Whether you work on carbon footprinting, management systems, sustainable sourcing, biodiversity or reporting, David set the path. To this day, from students to managing directors, people seek him out for the benefit of his experience and practical knowhow. Behind the scenes, but influential, nonetheless. He hasn’t sought the limelight; he’s just got on with driving sustainability into the way organisations work.

Dr. Orr’s work has touched almost all aspects of the Green-Sports world and the people in it.

As a leading academic, her research output is best-in-class in terms of quality and quantity, her work as a teacher has provided students in the U.S., Canada, France, and the UK with valuable hands on experiences and research opportunities, and she has mentored and elevated a global cadre of researchers through The Sport Ecology Group.

As a public scholar, her book “Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sports” and her regular media appearances and collaborations have brought green-sports messaging and content beyond the “green silo” to mass audiences.

As a thought leader and innovator, her contributions to the Climate Literacy Project’s Sports Toolkit, the Sport for Climate Action Framework’s new online course, and the Climate Champions podcast have ensured thousands can access learning opportunities for free.

And as a leader, her work on the Green Sports Day campaign has brought the ‘Day’ to Canada, Australia, and several Latin America countries. She has served as a judge on just about every Green Sports award. And she has supported sport organizations on every continent except Antarctica to up their game on sustainability.

Hugo Inglis is a four-time Olympian and co-founder of High Impact Athletes, a global movement helping athletes turn their income and influence into meaningful action on climate, global health, inequality and animal welfare.

Hugo launched HIA while training for his fourth Olympics, driven by a desire to reconcile his love of sport with its environmental impact. Since then, HIA has grown to include 220+ athletes from 48+ sports across 34+ countries, including Grand Slam champions, Olympic medalists and grassroots leaders. Together they’ve influenced over $1.9 million in donations to the world’s most impactful charities, improving 435,000+ lives, protecting 6.8 million+ animals and mitigating over 600,000 tonnes of CO₂e.

In 2025 Hugo launched the Sports Climate Fund, the boldest expression of HIA’s mission yet. Focused on travel, infrastructure and energy (sport’s highest emitting sectors) the fund offers athletes a credible, collective way to drive climate impact at scale.

Hugo leads with humility and evidence. He mentors athletes one-to-one, builds tools they can trust and empowers them to lead in ways that match their values. His work is redefining what leadership in sport can look like, not just louder, but smarter and deeply grounded in impact.

Former Australian champion and top-10 ranked World Bodyboarding Tour surfer, Josh Kirkman is the CEO of Surfers for Climate.

In 2024, he led community opposition to offshore mining and fossil fuel extraction off Australia’s east coast. Their advocacy led directly to historic legislation to ban offshore mining in all NSW coastal waters.

Whether it’s meeting politicians from all sides, inspiring unlikely ocean guardians through the ‘Silver Surfers’ program for senior citizens, or a surf contest for construction workers to engage them in advocacy and combatting disinformation, Josh is relentless – and relentlessly positive – about the potential for coastal communities to create positive outcomes that reduce fossil fuel exploration and production, and care for our ocean environs.

Josh understands the unique role of surfers in coastal communities, with the credibility to cut through and share accurate, science-based information about offshore wind and other renewable energy solutions.

By making climate action “the most fun you’ve ever had”, Josh take advocacy from burden to celebration, inspiring engagement and achieving concrete policy victories. He’s building the capacity not just of surfers, but all beach-loving communities to draw a line in the sand on new oil and gas projects in our ocean.

Lindsay has been pioneering sustainability efforts for the live event industry for two decades for professional sports teams, venues, and events of all kinds. Lindsay led the development of the ASM Global Acts Sustainability Plan, an ambitious, portfolio-wide framework for reaching sustainability goals for the world’s largest venue manager. She led the ISO 20121 Certifications for Lincoln Financial Field and SoFi stadiums, the first venues of their kind to be certified. She founded the Sustainable Sport Index, the sport industry’s first global benchmarking project on the impacts of teams, leagues and venues. As past Chair of both the Event Industry Council Sustainability Committee and ASTM Venue Sustainability Standard, Lindsay’s is known throughout the industry as a leader in her field.

Svein Rasmussen is a former Olympic windsurfer and founder of Starboard, a leading watersports brand that has redefined how sport can serve the planet. After representing Norway at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, he founded Starboard in Thailand in 1994 with a bold mission: to combine world-class performance with environmental action.

Svein has gone far beyond the industry norm in both design and impact. He led the creation of the Olympic IQFOIL windsurfing class and the X-15 Wingfoil Class—each setting new standards for sustainability and performance in global competition. He also launched the world’s first Plastic Offset Program, enabling other companies and individuals to take measurable action against plastic pollution.

Every Starboard product and event removes plastic from the environment and plants mangroves. Svein’s work extends beyond his company—he drives lobbying action against plastic pollution with governments and institutions to push for stronger regulations on plastic and promotes education as a key to long-term change.

From product innovation to environmental restoration, Svein leads with purpose and action. His work continues to inspire industries, communities, and individuals around the world to take responsibility and become part of the solution to plastic pollution and climate change.

CSR & Sustainability in Football is a specialised education programme designed to equip current and future professionals in the football industry with the knowledge and skills to embed sustainability across club operations. Adopitng a rather hollistic view on sustainability, the course explores key pillars such as Environmental Sustainability, Football Social Responsibility (FSR), and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI).

What makes this programme unique is its hands-on, applied learning approach. Participants engage with case studies, group projects, and interactive workshops that simulate real-world challenges faced by football clubs. They learn to develop sustainability strategies, evaluate impact through frameworks like ESG and SROI, and connect theory to practice through structured sessions and industry guest lectures.

The programme draws from the latest academic research and leading practices from organizations such as UEFA, ECA, and top European clubs, ensuring relevance and depth. It targets a key demographic—students and early-career professionals—empowering them to become change-makers within the sports sector.

By embedding sustainability into the DNA of football education, the course fosters a culture of responsibility, innovation, and long-term impact. It reflects the values of football and aims to scale through collaborations with clubs, universities, and federations across Europe.

The ITTF Sustainability Education Platform is a free online learning tool that simplifies sustainability and makes it accessible. Aimed at growing sustainability allies in table tennis and empowering its global  community with the knowledge and confidence to take concrete action.

Tailored to member associations, staff, athletes, coaches and officials, the platform offers interactive, gamified modules covering environmental and social sustainability topics aligned with ITTF’s commitments under the Sport for Climate and Sport for Nature Frameworks.

Launched on Earth Day 2025, the platform has already engaged over 200 individuals from 64 countries, with more than 130 having received certification. Its accessible format, combining scenario-based learning, videos, quizzes, and real-life case studies has made it a model of inclusive, practical, low budget sustainability education is a replicable model for other sports bodies.

The platform’s strength lies in its simplicity, replicability, and responsiveness to community needs, designed using only basic tools but delivering professional, meaningful impact. It forms a core pillar of ITTF’s long-term sustainability strategy, with new modules and stakeholder engagement initiatives underway. We are confident the platform will play a key role in embedding sustainability into the DNA of table tennis, one learner, one action, one impact at a time.

Kicking for Nature is transforming what sport — and especially martial arts — can do for our planet.

Created by the Jadir Taekwondo Association, a non-profit in Rio de Janeiro, this pioneering programme turns Taekwondo training into a journey of environmental responsibility. Students don’t earn new belts by just progressing in taekwondo, but by taking real action for the planet, from planting trees and cleaning up their communities to leading conversations about climate change.

Rooted in the martial arts philosophy of discipline, respect, and harmony, Kicking for Nature brings those values to life in a modern context: caring for our shared environment. Through creative, hands-on experiences and strong community involvement, young people learn that protecting nature is part of who they are — as athletes, as leaders, and as citizens. Families and neighbours are brought into the process too, creating a ripple effect that changes whole communities.

The programme’s impact has grown beyond Brazil, inspiring the creation of the Martial Arts Coalition for Sustainable Development, a global network helping martial arts organisations embrace sustainability.

Kicking for Nature redefines what it means to be a martial artist. Not just skill, not just respect—but responsibility, in every sense of the word.

Launched in early 2024, the FIS Sustainability Education Plan empowers the global snow sports community through tailored environmental education. The programme adapts learning to diverse roles, combining inspiration, knowledge, and practical tools.

Key components include a free two-hour Environmental Sustainability Training Course, completed by over 250 participants from 30 countries, covering climate science and real-world best practices. The Sustainability Webinar Series offered 12 sessions on thematic and technical topics, engaging a diverse audience with interactive discussions and expert insights.

The Snowmorrow project engaged young athletes from 20+ countries through workshops, storytelling, and a six-part video series on sustainability, encouraging them to explore climate challenges and contribute ideas to the FIS Impact Programme.

The Combined for Change Tour promoted peer-to-peer learning, with eight Nordic Combined World Cup venues implementing visible sustainability actions.

After the training, practical tools were provided to help turn knowledge into action, including clear guidelines, a CO₂ calculator, and a virtual resource hub. This support enabled participants to develop and implement concrete sustainability projects, effectively embedding sustainability within snow sports culture.

This scalable programme drives lasting change by equipping the community with the mindset, knowledge, and resources to act — on and off the snow.

The #PowerUp Challenge, launched by the 1851 Trust in partnership with Goodwall, Emirates GBR SailGP Team, and Low Carbon, used high-performance sport to engage young people globally with climate action and green STEM careers. Goodwall’s platform aims to bridge the gap between skills development and real-world opportunities, connecting users with valuable educational and career related opportunities offering users access to scholarships, internships, jobs, and volunteer work. This feature is especially appealing to young people eager to gain practical experience and build their careers, making the #PowerUp Challenge particularly impactful.

The educational content came from the 1851 Trust’s STEMCrew.org, a platform with free, curriculum-linked STEM and climate resources used in over 40% of UK secondary schools. The challenge invited young people to explore renewable energy’s role in sports like sailing and motorsports, using the Emirates GBR SailGP Team’s innovative off-grid energy system as a real work example of sustainability in action.

The content was designed to be exciting, engaging, and easily digestible, ensuring that it captured the attention of a global, digital-native Gen Z audience. It featured athlete-led videos, interactive challenges, gamified elements, and fast-paced carousels.

Sustainability in Sports: Theory and Practice is a graduate-level course at Columbia University that prepares students to lead climate action in the global sports industry. Offered through the School of Professional Studies, it is the first course co-developed by two of the school’s graduate programs—Sustainability Management and Sports Management—creating a unique interdisciplinary model.

The course blends academic rigor with real-world application. Students explore topics such as emissions reporting, sustainable venue operations, and stakeholder engagement through lectures, site visits, and team-based projects. A standout outcome was a 13-week collaboration with NFL Green and ENGIE Impact on sustainability efforts for Super Bowl LIX. Students contributed to emissions benchmarking, fan education, and post-event material recovery—work that will be formally presented during Climate Week NYC 2025.

This initiative has already led to new collaborations with MLB All-Star Week and the FIFA Club World Cup, demonstrating the course’s growing influence. Students have also participated in public panels, conducted venue evaluations, and pursued careers in sustainability and sport.

By combining systems thinking, industry partnerships, and community impact, the course offers a replicable model for how higher education can drive sustainability in sport—and beyond.

The Udinese Summer Camp, held in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy), delivered an engaging and inclusive educational experience to over 1,000 children aged 6 to 14 across its two eco-focused editions in 2024 and 2025. Rooted in four pillars—sustainability, healthy living, social inclusion, and financial awareness—the programme offered meaningful, hands-on learning shaped by expert-led sessions and creative activities.

Environmental responsibility was explored through recycling workshops, plastic-free practices, and interactive tools that reimagined waste as a resource. Nutrition education, guided by sports professionals and supported by science-based models, encouraged healthier food choices and emphasized the link between personal well-being and planet health.

Social inclusion came to life through theatrical performances and civic-based learning moments that highlighted the importance of diversity and equality. In 2025, the programme expanded to include financial literacy sessions, offering children essential insights into saving, responsible spending, and future planning.

With a commitment to continual impact assessment and growth, the Udinese Summer Camp stands out as a forward-thinking model for early education—empowering young people to become responsible, aware, and active citizens. Through immersive experiences, the camp helps shape a generation equipped to make more conscious choices for themselves and their communities.

The Climate Cup is an unrivalled education programme at Loughborough University where student athletes compete to be the most sustainable.

Saving the planet – and the sports we love – shouldn’t be boring. Student athletes care deeply about sustainability, but traditional education hasn’t cut through. That’s why Loughborough University teamed up with Carbon Jacked and a number of other environmental organisations to deliver The Climate Cup and redefine sustainability education in sport.

It’s about more than just using the power of sport to combat climate change and restore nature. It’s also about making education edgier, spicier and more fun than traditional programmes.

The Climate Cup blends a cutting-edge tech platform with in-person education sessions. Experts deliver training on the climate and nature crises, including how it impacts sport. Student athletes are then supported in taking positive action that resonates with them. They’re also given advice for careers in Sport X Sustainability.

The feedback speaks for itself, with 100% of participants saying it was valuable, more engaging than typical sustainability initiatives and inspired action. The impact has been immense.

Furthermore, The Climate Cup has been specifically designed to scale to other universities, sporting organisations and businesses to maximise its long-term impact.

The World Sailing Sustainability Sessions are a pioneering online education programme meticulously crafted to elevate the global sailing community’s understanding and practical application of sustainability principles.

This initiative, delivered through free, live webinars successfully completed its second season in May 2025, building upon the strong engagement of its inaugural season. The curriculum is diverse, encompassing both environmental topics and social sustainability themes. Each session is curated to provide actionable knowledge, aligning with World Sailing’s Agenda 2030.

The target audience includes sailors, Member National Authorities, Sailing Clubs, training centres, class associations, manufacturers, and the wider public.

The Sustainability Sessions are a catalyst for a more sustainable future for sailing, embodying innovation, broad impact, and a deep commitment to positive educational outcomes.

The energy from the 4,200 solar panels on the ArenA roof is stored in two super batteries with a total capacity of 8.6 Megawatt hours. The ArenA batteries are further supplemented with green energy from a local wind turbine and solar park, purchased via the energy marketplace.

Thanks to the realization of a second super battery in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, the 4,200 solar panels on our roof, and the Groendus energy marketplace, there is now the possibility to guarantee that the power supply in the ArenA is 100% green. The first 100% green event has already taken place. The Eredivisie match between Ajax and SC Heerenveen on August 11, 2024 was the first, and now, we have recently added the international match Netherlands – Germany to the list.

Wembley Stadium Connected by EE is leading the way in green venue management by developing a 100% recyclable pitch, showing how sports and entertainment can embrace sustainability with creative ideas and a strong focus on eco-friendly practices.

The FIS CO₂ Calculator is a pioneering, free tool that helps sports event organisers simulate, measure, and reduce their carbon emissions. Developed by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation in collaboration with the Green Producers Tool (GPT), it is tailored to the unique needs of snow sports and built on the globally recognised GHG Protocol.

Unlike traditional carbon calculators, the FIS CO₂ Calculator focuses also on ex ante planning – enabling organisers to model different options during the design phase, before decisions are finalised. This empowers them to make data-driven, lower-impact choices in areas like transport, energy, accommodation, logistics, and temporary infrastructure.

Already used in some World Cup and Championship events during its first season, the tool has helped organisers avoid emissions, improve sustainability reporting, and build climate action into the core of event planning. It is inclusive, scalable, and supported by a peer-learning community that fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.

With future updates planned to include emissions from construction and permanent infrastructure, the calculator is more than a reporting tool – it is a catalyst for long-term behavioural change. By shifting the focus from compensation to prevention, it is helping redefine how sustainability is approached in global sport.

Circular Solutions brings over 20 years of global experience designing and measuring circular economies at major events and venues. Our work has supported five Olympic Games, three Super Bowls, the Boston Marathon, NCAA Final Fours, PGA events, and multiple FIFA tournaments. Trusted by brands, venues, haulers, MRFs, and manufacturers, our credibility drives successful outcomes.

To combat skepticism around recycling claims, we developed a proprietary technology platform tailored for the North American market. It combines AI, secure data storage, and blockchain to deliver verified, auditable recycling performance.

By identifying savings from existing contracts and invoices, CS Savings creates budget room for sustainability efforts. CS Verify verifies the recycling supply chain for specific commodities, connecting properties, haulers, and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) using AI. Data is stored securely and, with permission, uploaded to the blockchain as an immutable record to guard against false claims.

Our CS Track system provides deeper insights, measuring capture rates, landfill diversion, and recycling integration using material separation and venue-level data. Smart contracts govern verification, with results issued as blockchain-based digital certificates (NFTs), making the records tamper-proof, time-stamped, and publicly verifiable—offering transparency and credibility in reporting environmental performance at scale.

kitround is the UK’s first dedicated circular marketplace for reselling and redistributing sports kit and equipment. More than just an e-commerce platform, it’s a pioneering movement that breaks down barriers to sports participation while promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and community impact. kitround tackles the vast surplus of unused sports kit sitting in households, clubs, and organisations, unlocking this hidden currency to empower communities and drive environmental change.

By combining environmental accountability with social equity, kitround is reshaping the future of sport through circularity and measurable impact.

New York Road Runners has carried out our sustainability initiatives for nearly a decade, and in 2021 set a goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040. Our goals and targets are centered around supporting the diverse communities we serve, focusing on emissions, circularity, water, and transparency.

NYRR Team for Climate is a new entry method for NYRR’s three marquee races—the TCS New York City Marathon, United Airlines NYC Half, and RBC Brooklyn Half—in which hundreds of runners raise funds to help offset NYRR’s carbon emissions, including runner travel, to the three races.

For the first event, the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, all funds raised went toward verified carbon offsets. For the following marquee events since, remaining in partnership with Anew Climate, NYRR also committed to using a portion of the funds raised by NYRR Team for Climate for projects within NYRR that reduce the total emissions generated within NYRR’s events and operations, a practice known as carbon insetting. The aim is to balance the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted, while taking steps to stop emissions from increasing, to deliver a more environmentally friendly racing experience for all our runners.

World Sailing collaborated with Semaine Olympique Francaise to trial and The Paris 2024 Olympic Games to enhance sustainability by equipping support boats used in sailing competitions with Oria Marine technology, which collects and transmits performance data such as fuel consumption, usage time, speed, and GPS positioning. 

At Paris 2024 all 285 support vessels were equipped with the technology. This comprehensive data collection, spanning from training to final competitions and including various support and coaches’ boats, aims to benchmark environmental and operational impacts to inform recommendations for reducing carbon footprints and optimizing costs in major sporting events.

The technology trialled at the Semaine Olympique Francaise both benchmarked their impact and to take a gamified approach to event support fleet management and behaviour change. The two deployments of the technology are creating the legacy for future events and Olympic Gams support fleets.

The ‘Made-to-Order’ Kit for Players Who Play Differently.

Padel Mentality is a purpose led sportswear brand that’s redefining the industry by combining sustainable, on-demand production with exceptional style, performance and choice. Customers are empowered to make an environmental choice with every purchase.

Key Differentiators:

Purpose Driven Sustainability – We believe the future of sport must be sustainable – our mission is to make high performance sportswear that does least harm to the planet.

Made-to Order Production – every garment is made only when ordered, using on-demand, single-piece production model: we don’t sell what’s already made – we only make what’s already sold.

Direct -to Consumer Model from our factory direct to you in only 10 days.

Our designs are unapologetically bold, defined by our use of dynamic colours, graphic energy, and a fearless approach to self-expression. Inspired by movement and momentum of sport every piece is crafted to turn heads, spark confidence, and celebrate individuality.

The Sliding Sports Climate Calculator is a groundbreaking tool developed through a collaboration between the International Luge Federation (FIL), International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF), and AI experts. It is the first emissions calculator tailored specifically for sliding sports, which face unique environmental challenges during their international competition circuit and limited venue availability. Using climate data and AI-based modelling, the tool estimates GHG emissions from both track operations and sports team travel based on season schedules, transport modes, and geographic locations.

This innovative dashboard enables the FIL and IBSF to design more sustainable competition calendars by simulating alternative routes and timings to reduce total emissions. A built-in optimisation feature suggests low-carbon scheduling solutions. One of its key findings—that over two-thirds of seasonal emissions come from travel, not refrigeration—has already influenced planning, including the decision to delay season start dates to lower environmental impact.

The calculator empowers sports organisations to make climate-informed decisions, set carbon targets, report transparently, and engage stakeholders and fans. It represents a transformative step in aligning elite sport with global climate goals and sets a new standard for sustainable planning in winter sports.

SPARK is about social innovation and youth empowerment. It is a mobile and participatory initiative born after the 2020 Lausanne Youth Olympic Games (following COVID-19 crisis!) and co-developed with health and youth experts.

SPARK tackles social isolation, sedentary lifestyles, and mental health challenges by bringing interactive, inclusive and non-competitive sports and cultural activities into urban spaces.

In 2024, SPARK delivered 73 days of activation across three Swiss cities—reaching over 9,000 participants and mobilising over 100 volunteers. It offered over 50 different activities, from boxing to dance to rap writing, supported by municipalities, schools, and healthcare partners.

SPARK’s impact is clear: 69% of repeat participants reported increased motivation to stay active, and 55% felt a stronger sense of belonging. Its legacy has already inspired local programmes such as Renens’ “1020-MOVES” and gained support from public and private partners. Scalable, sustainable, and socially impactful, SPARK is more than a project—it’s a systems-changing solution.

Aiming to expand through mobile and permanent hubs, it sets a new standard for sport and public health innovation. The concept was born at the crossroads between public health, physical activity, sustainability, social cohesion, active design and tactical urbanism. SPARK empowers the next generation to move, connect, and lead.

SPORTS20 is a non-profit, independent platform founded in 2023 to leverage the global power of sport as a driver for social and environmental transformation. At its core lies the SPORTS20 Framework – a strategic, step-by-step solution that supports sport organisations of all types and sizes in assessing, aligning and accelerating their sustainability efforts.

Built around six key action areas – from responsible leadership to circular operations – the framework translates the UN Sustainable Development Goals into a practical roadmap for the sport sector. It helps clubs, associations, event organisers and athletes worldwide move from isolated projects to organisation-wide transformation.

SPORTS20 transforms complexity into clarity by providing a clear pathway from intention to impact, helping sport to drive positive change. It supports organisations to reduce their footprint and increase their handprint by embedding sustainability deeply into daily operations and strategic leadership.

Sportbidder helps sports organisations and venues turn surplus assets into value – financial, environmental, and emotional – through fan-focused auction events. Launched in 2025, the service supports clubs during refurbishments, relocations, and facility closures by identifying and reselling surplus items that would typically be scrapped or stored.

From dugout seats and framed shirts to signage, carpet, and chairs, the platform enables reuse of all asset types – not just the obvious ones. We manage the entire process: cataloguing, promotion, auction management, payment, and coordinated collection. Each auction is tailored to the club, placing their brand front and centre while delivering measurable impact.

In our first major project, every item was sold, thousands of bids were placed, and an estimated 10,000 kg of CO₂e was avoided through reuse – while also generating revenue for the club. The initiative attracted strong fan engagement and received positive coverage in local press and on social media.

This innovation makes sustainability accessible, operationally simple, and financially beneficial. By supporting reuse at scale, we help clubs reduce landfill, align with sustainability goals, and rethink the role surplus can play in fan connection and income generation. It’s a practical step toward a more sustainable future in sport.

Ben Hardy-Jones is a visionary young professional spearheading The Desert Vipers’ sustainability efforts. Having graduated from Oxford University with a Distinction and course prize, Ben is now using the power of sports to create widespread, positive societal change.

At Desert Vipers, Ben has overseen remarkable, rapid changes. From authoring sports’ first Plastic Impact Report and cricket’s first Carbon Footprint Report, to implementing behaviour change that meant Desert Vipers became the first cricket team to eradicate single-use plastic water bottles and play a season using fully-recycled materials, Ben’s work at Desert Vipers is having a global impact. His day-to-day work with the commercial and marketing teams has enabled Desert Vipers to build a brand with sustainability at its heart, resulting in new commercial partners to cricket (e.g. Carrefour).

Ben’s maturity, hard work, and creativity, combined with impressive academic rigour, make him a stand-out candidate. It is his irrepressible ambition to maximise his personal impact on people and the planet that should see him win the award. Sport lacks young sustainability leaders and Ben was entrusted with the lead sustainability role at Desert Vipers’. He has grasped that opportunity with both hands and deserves recognition for his impact on our sector.

Emma Howe is a trailblazer in advancing sustainability at Deloitte and beyond. As a young leader, Emma has been instrumental in driving Deloitte’s goal to achieve Zero Waste status for all major meetings and events (1,000+ attendees) by 2025.

Her leadership was pivotal in orchestrating two zero waste events in Orlando and Las Vegas, diverting 97,000+ pounds of waste from landfill. Emma also pioneered waste-reduction initiatives for Deloitte’s annual Impact Day, starting with a pilot in four offices and scaling to all offices and projects by 2024—collectively diverting ~33,000 pounds of waste.

Emma’s influence extends beyond operational improvements. She was featured by One Young World as an example of youth leadership driving corporate sustainability action, inspiring colleagues and industry peers.

Emma’s collaborative approach empowers others to take ownership, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility that resonates throughout Deloitte and the broader sustainability community.

Additionally, Emma founded Deloitte’s US Green Team Network, connecting 37 teams and 1,000+ practitioners nationwide. Through this network, she has mobilized grassroots sustainability initiatives, from office composting to community clean-ups, expanding engagement and creating a ripple effect far beyond Deloitte’s walls. Emma’s vision and impact are shaping a more sustainable future for Deloitte and its peers.

Hamid Bouzit is a young sports project manager from Morocco who uses sport as a powerful tool for education, inclusion, and sustainable development. At just 23, he plays a leading role at Tibu Africa, where he designs and manages transformative programs for out-of-school youth and young women.

Through his work, Hamid has impacted over 50 young people, creating a dynamic environment where sport is used not only for physical development but also to build confidence, develop life skills, and foster pathways to employment. He champions participatory approaches, empowering youth to co-create activities and take ownership of their journey.

Hamid’s approach blends structure, empathy, and long-term vision. His local frameworks have been shared nationally, and his initiatives have inspired broader conversations about youth empowerment and sustainability in sport.

Hamid represents a new generation of African changemakers — grounded in community, yet connected to global challenges. His work highlights how sport can drive inclusive, climate-conscious transformation and offer second chances to those often left behind.

Ioannis is currently an FNS researcher at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland and has worked in research roles at the University of Innsbruck and ETH Zurich. He is, also, a sustainability advisor at Sportad, Founder of The Sports Footprint, a sustainability consultancy that has been awarded the Prince’s Trust Global Sustainability Award for Europe, having a notable and diverse list of clients from the sports industry.

Ioannis has also, developed several educational courses in sport and sustainability for organisations such as the Football Business Academy, the International Olympic Academy, the Athens University of Economics and Business, and the European Association for Sport Management (EASM). His research and field work focuses on the intersection of sustainability and integrity in sports.

Kevin Wekesa: Championing Green Action Through Sport

Kevin Wekesa, a prominent Kenya 7s rugby Player, is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming sports into a powerful force for environmental sustainability through his “Play Green” initiative. Harnessing the power of Sport to drive change.

Within his immediate role, Kevin championed the elimination of single-use plastics from national team training, providing reusable bottles that prevent thousands of plastic bottles monthly from entering the environment. This direct intervention set a new standard for elite sports.

Beyond his team, Kevin’s leadership has created a vital ripple effect. He has led the planting of over 1,500 trees across schools and communities, establishing “Shujaa Forests” and educating thousands of youth on climate stewardship. His advocacy even influenced the Kenya National Tennis Federation to adopt similar plastic reduction policies. Furthermore, championing for circular economy in sports gear.

Kevin’s work is highly inclusive, empowering young generations and uniting diverse communities, including rival rugby clubs, for a shared environmental purpose. His dedication earned him global recognition as a Lewis Pugh Foundation Sports Champion, solidifying his role as a leading figure inspiring climate action through the unifying power of sport.

Logan has developed an expansive portfolio of successful sustainability initiatives at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and across the INDYCAR Series in a very short amount of time. He showed signs of his passion for the planet early, while he worked in the facilities department then the ticketing office of IMS.

Logan’s passions made him the obvious choice to lead our work at the Speedway and across the Series when the time came to fill the Sustainability Program Leader position for the business in 2022. In the 3.5 years since, Logan has led our efforts, propelling IMS and INDYCAR to the forefront of American motorsports, even getting us some looks on the world stage where sport and sustainability meet.

There’s a saying, “passion persuades,” that fits Logan perfectly. The passion he showed early in his IMS career has persuaded internal stakeholders and executives, race teams across the INDYCAR Series and throughout our ecosystem of partners and sponsors. Logan’s journey has just begun. His early contributions and leadership are already an indelible and undeniable addition to our sport, venue, series and business. He is truly a “next generation trailblazer.”

Luigi’s journey in sport and sustainability began in 2023 at BK Olympic in Malmö, Sweden, where he launched inclusive football programmes targeting underserved youth, especially girls, and coordinated anti-bullying and coach education initiatives. His work not only increased participation but strengthened community trust and cohesion, ensuring that football was accessible, safe, and empowering for all.

In 2024, Luigi joined Malmö FF — Sweden’s largest football club — where he led the Night Football programme. This late-night initiative provided a structured, safe environment for youth in high-risk areas. Over 1,100 participants joined within six months, prompting the programme’s expansion and the addition of indoor sessions specifically for girls.

In July 2025, Luigi was promoted to Activities Coordinator at Malmö FF, enabling him to support a wider range of community initiatives and scale his impact through strategic collaboration with the national football federation, local government, police, and sponsors.

Luigi’s leadership is grounded in empathy, inclusion, and long-term thinking. By using sport as a vehicle for social change, he has redefined what community engagement looks like within football — not just improving participation, but reshaping structures to be more just, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.

Rebecca is a rising star at World Sailing. She has brought energy and a strong educational background to the federation.

She studied Marine Biology and has an MSc in Sustainability. An avid sailor her deep love for the sport, ocean and delivering impact make her a credit to federation.

She is a great facilitator supporting a diverse range of operational areas including ISO20121 management, event planning and delivery and reporting.

She has led on several projects including World Sailing’s Sustainability Sessions, the federation’s online education series curated across a diverse range of topics for the diverse stakeholders within the sailing community.

A champion of collaboration, Rebecca is forging a  pivotal career in sustainability and sport.

Sabrina De Angelis is an emerging changemaker at the intersection of sport, sustainability, and youth empowerment. She is the founder of Own Your Voice Academy, a digital-first platform designed to engage young people and communities in climate action through sport, creativity, and storytelling. Her work is focused on accessibility, inclusion, and practical innovation—making sustainability relatable and actionable for the next generation.

In summer 2023, Sabrina led an ecotourism and ecowellness workshop, guiding participants to explore the connection between environmental responsibility, community engagement, and personal wellbeing. She also volunteered at the UEFA Women’s Euros, where she observed how requiring volunteers and fans to use public transport reflected UEFA’s tangible commitment to sustainability. This experience deepened her understanding of how operational choices in sport can model climate-conscious behavior at scale.

Currently, Sabrina is developing the Summer Soccer Hackathon, a global virtual initiative that will empower youth to co-create sport-based solutions for climate resilience and social impact. Though early in her journey, she is already inspiring young leaders and sports communities to think differently about environmental justice and collective action.

Her forward-thinking approach, rooted in lived experience and collaboration, positions her as a next-generation leader driving inclusive change through sport

The partnership between the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) and Neoenergia stands out for addressing two urgent global challenges—climate change and gender inequality—through a unified, purpose-driven strategy.

On the environmental front, Neoenergia supplies 100% renewable energy (I-REC certified) to the Time Brasil Training Center (CT), making COB a national reference in sustainable sports management. This transition has already avoided over 44 tons of CO₂ emissions and generated 25% energy cost savings, with reinvestment potential for athlete development.

Socially, the partnership strengthens women’s sport by elevating visibility, representation, and public discourse through initiatives like the More for Women’s Sport campaign and the Women in Sport Forum. High-performance athletes from diverse regions and disciplines serve as ambassadors, inspiring the next generation of girls across Brazil.

The initiative is monitored through robust technical reporting and amplified through strategic communication campaigns, reaching over 66 million people and gaining national media coverage. Its integrated approach advances SDGs 5, 7, and 13, and serves as a replicable model for other sports institutions.

Together, COB and Neoenergia demonstrate how aligned values and long-term vision can transform sport into a driver of positive environmental and social change—delivering real impact and inspiring systemic transformation across sectors.

Declutter & Do Good was a national circular campaign by kitround and Visa, launched to tackle kit inequality in women’s football by turning surplus into access and sustainability into action.

At its core was kitround’s circular commerce platform, enabling families to donate pregamed kit through David Lloyd Clubs and Visa offices. Over 6,000 items were collected and redistributed, generating over £ 60,000 for grassroots charities, while avoiding over 28,000 kg of CO₂e and more than a million landfill years.

Visa brought amplification and incentive: from athlete storytelling to pop-up activations and a £1 donation mechanic per Visa transaction. kitround360 tracked the financial, environmental and social impact of the campaign.

This wasn’t CSR. It was circular infrastructure in motion.

The campaign demonstrated behaviour change; parents engaged. Athletes led. Donors saw their impact.

The campaign inspired others: post-activation, new schools, clubs, and national governing bodies partnered with kitround to adapt the model to their communities.

Together, the partnership didn’t just raise funds or awareness, it proved that circular sport can be credible, trackable, and scalable.

Desert Vipers and Palmfit have come together in an innovative three-year partnership to advance sustainability in sports apparel. In the first year of their partnership, Desert Vipers became the first top-tier cricket team to play in fully recycled materials across a full season, switching from virgin to 100% recycled materials in their performance wear.

Working with Palmfit’s expert team, Desert Vipers managed to achieve numerous environmental and performance benefits, including:

• Switching to 100% recycled materials, reducing the carbon footprint of the material by 51%
• Using print-on-demand methods and reduced personalisation to reduce the amount of team kit by 35%
• Packaging items loosely to save 23 kg of plastic packaging across 4,575 team items
• Using water-based inks
• Manufacturing locally to reduce the freight footprint, reducing the overall footprint by 8%

In years two and three of the partnership, Desert Vipers and Palmfit will continue to work together to reduce the environmental impact from sportswear, conducting a full life-cycle assessment, exploring opportunities for textile recycling, and implementing solutions to capture microplastics from the washing of sportswear.

NASCAR IMPACT is the sanctioning body’s platform driving NASCAR’s mission to strengthen its communities and contribute to a healthier planet. As part of the platform launch, NASCAR committed to achieve net zero operating emissions by 2035. Fifteen months later, NASCAR and ABB, a global technology leader in electrification and automation, inked a multi-year partnership, making ABB the first Official Partner of NASCAR IMPACT. The goal is twofold: assist in the decarbonization of NASCAR’s core business and educate fans about the power of electrification.

Within the decarbonization space, NASCAR is actively investing in more efficient equipment and technology to reduce emissions from building operations. Additionally, the league is looking at clean energy opportunities and is installing EV chargers across the enterprise. ABB experts, equipment, and networks support these initiatives. While decarbonizing NASCAR’s core operation is a key first step, the real impact comes from bringing fans along too.

As part of the ABB NASCAR Electrification Innovation Partnership, the first ever BEV prototype was unveiled at the 2024 Chicago Street Race, unleashing the power of electric technology to the industry. It has since participated in track events and demonstrations and has traveled across the country engaging people about the importance of electrification.

The Green Action League was a pioneering purpose-led partnership between Ball Corporation, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), and Planet League that turned global sports fandom into climate action.

Uniting four teams—Arsenal FC, LA Rams, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche—across four sports and two continents, the three-week campaign inspired over 9,000 fans in 171 countries to take more than 41,500 verified climate actions. Fans earned Green Points for actions like recycling, carpooling, and eating plant-based meals, competing for prizes and leaderboard positions. Athlete-led video content, in-stadium promotions, and media coverage on BBC World News and Sky Sports amplified the campaign to millions.

Each partner brought a unique role: Ball promoted circular economy action through aluminum recycling; KSE used its sports platforms to engage global fanbases; and Planet League ensured credibility and engagement through its gamified, data-driven platform. Together, they created the largest fan-driven sustainability campaign in sport to date.

The campaign didn’t just raise awareness—it changed behaviour. With 95% of participants planning to continue their actions and 93% asking for more from their teams, the Green Action League proved that purpose-led partnerships can shift culture, shape habits, and set new standards for sustainability in sport.

Brentford FC and Trainline collaborated to address a shared goal of encouraging more people to switch from driving to taking the train.

Fan travel is a leading contributor to Brentford’s carbon emissions. With many fans eager to join the club’s sustainability journey, the club collaborated with Trainline’s I Came By Train campaign to offer 20% discounted rail travel for league matches outside of London.

The offer was a first in the Premier League and delivered instant impact:

• 41% of fans switched to rail travel for the first I Came By Train matchday
• 21% of Brentford’s away support across the whole season used a code
• 17 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved
• The campaign received national media coverage
• It increased engagement in the club’s other sustainability initiatives

Innovative, authentic, with a direct impact on reducing the cost of football for fans, Brentford and Trainline’s partnership is proof of what more football can do to reduce its impact on the environment. It successfully created a mode shift towards sustainable travel, but catalysed a culture shift, bringing fans on board with the club’s sustainable journey, becoming a blueprint for how clubs can tackle climate change responsibly.

UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 x Lidl is a purpose-led partnership that redefines how major sporting events can drive social and environmental impact.

Rooted in shared values of inclusion, health, sustainability and equality, the collaboration delivered tangible benefits across all eight Swiss host cities.

Lidl’s Fresh Stations served 230,000 fruit cups to fans, while its Fresh Field farm grew and donated over 15 tons of fresh veggies to Swiss charities.

The Lidl Awareness Team supported respectful stadium culture at all 31 matches, and over 150.000 sanitary products were made available in all venues, a UEFA first.

The Lidl Youth Camp empowered 100 girls from 18 countries through training and mentorship, and over 1 million Fan Zone visitors engaged with Lidl’s initiatives.

All efforts were tracked through rigorous reporting and will be consolidated in UEFA’s ESG report aligned with UN SDGs.

By combining sport, nutrition and sustainability at scale, this partnership sets a new benchmark for purpose-driven sponsorship and leaves a lasting legacy for women’s football and community wellbeing. Never stop growing.

LFC and 1PointFive collaborated in May 2025 to launch the world’s first football jersey whose carbon footprint will be addressed via Direct-Air-Capture, commemorating the legendary “Miracle of Istanbul” in a sustainably transformative way. By 3 June 2025, 7,201 units had been sold at 70 % sell-through, making it the best-selling LFC Label item since launch, and the second-highest grossing product overall, only behind the Nike Stadium Jersey.

This limited-edition garment was not merely memorabilia, it was an innovative climate solution that can have a positive impact on the planet. For each shirt’s carbon footprint generated during the product’s creation, an equivalent volume of CO₂ will be removed from the atmosphere via verified DAC credits, hopefully sparking a trend and creating genuine environmental impact. The collaboration married LFC’s cultural capital and fan-led narrative with 1PointFive’s technical credibility and climate ambition, demonstrating that sustainable sports merchandise can succeed commercially.

Through transparent communication, independently verified carbon accounting, and strong fan engagement, this project provides a scalable blueprint for purpose-led retail in sport. It deserves this award for its innovation, measurable climate outcomes, business success, and capacity to change expectations about what sports merchandise can represent, a winning legacy on and off the pitch.

In 2024, Ethara and Aggreko launched a purpose-led partnership to decarbonize temporary power at one of the world’s premier sporting events: the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

With sustainability and performance in equal focus, this partnership removed diesel from the equation entirely. In its place: a new energy mix combining B5 biodiesel, solar-hybrid generations, and battery energy storage systems. Over the course of the event, the system delivered 1,197 MWh of energy, avoided 20,360 kWh of fuel consumption, and prevented an estimated 1,516 tonnes of CO2e from being emitted.

This was the first deployment of silent gensets and solar-powered batteries at Yas Marina Circuit. The system was monitored in real-time and presented to peers at the 2025 F1 Promoters Workshop. It proved that sustainability, reliability, and scale are achievable together.

The partnership is the first stage in Ethara’s five-year emissions reduction roadmap and has already sparked interest from other events and venue operators. It sets a powerful precedent for the global sports and live events industry, showing that clean temporary energy is no longer a future goal — it’s a current reality.

NBA GREEN IS FOCUSED ON THE FOLLOWING KEY IMPACT AREAS:

1) ECO-DATA COLLECTION, TRACKING & IMPACT REDUCTIONS;

2) ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE & CLIMATE JUSTICE AND

3) ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION & AWARENESS.

The NBA’s climate-action agenda is advanced through the most demographically diverse and global year-round humanitarian eco- climate-action collaboration existing in any sports League or Federation worldwide.

NBA Green was the first professional sports league in North America to become a Signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and, as a UN S4CA Signatory it’s goals align with the Paris Agreement, aspiring to achieve Net Zero by 2040. In addition, NBA Green has already reached millions of sports fans with eco- and climate related education through all of its online platforms as well as traditional media, TV and at-venue events, including its global games, the NBA and WNBA All Star Games, Final and Draft.

The NBA’s traditional media and global social media presence, often used to promote social justice and environmental and climate literacy is absolutely massive—often called the most digitally dominant sports league in the world.

Since 2023, Experienz and Silverstone Circuit have created an innovative model for motorsport sustainability, transforming how venues track, manage, and reduce their environmental impact. This data-driven partnership addresses the critical challenge of Scope 3 emissions – historically a blind spot for the industry.

Through Experienz’s sustainability intelligence platform, Silverstone now systematically tracks emissions across all major events (British Grand Prix, MotoGP, Silverstone Festival), with 100+ suppliers actively reporting data. The partnership has evolved from 50+ suppliers in 2023 to comprehensive corporate and event-level emissions tracking in 2025, establishing a robust measurement framework for motorsport circuits.

Key achievements include reporting 94,417 tCO₂e total emissions with unprecedented Scope 3 granularity, systematic fan travel emissions tracking for the first time, and helping Silverstone achieve 3rd place globally in sustainable circuit rankings and 11th in GSBS.

This collaborative approach has become the industry gold standard, with Spa Grand Prix adopting the same framework and multiple circuits in active discussions. The partnership demonstrates how purpose-driven collaboration and digital innovation can turn sustainability challenges into competitive advantages, creating a replicable template for sector-wide transformation aligned with F1’s Net Zero by 2030 commitment.

The partnership between TSG Hoffenheim and PreZero, launched in 2019, aims to systematically embed sustainability into professional soccer though the joint initiative “Road to Zero Waste”. Focused on transforming the PreZero Arena into a zero-waste stadium, the collaboration has implemented a comprehensive recycling and waste management system, achieving a 91% recycling rate and earning silver-level TÜV certification, a first in German soccer.

Innovations include a reuseable cup system saving up to 500,000 disposable cups per season, fan merchandise such as autograph cards made from recycled gras clippings, and a visible, standardized waste separation system. The initiative also fosters knowledge across the sport industry though hosting the “Zero Time to Waste” forum.

Designed as a scalable and transferable model, the partnership’s impact extends far beyond Hoffenheim. Several clubs and venues have begun to adopt the approach. By combining sport’s visibility with environmental expertise, the partnership sets a new industry benchmark, offering a compelling roadmap for how sustainability can move from vision to practice in professional sports.

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) together with its Members and production partner Actua Films, have formed a purpose-led partnership to address the environmental impact of live sports broadcasting.

As the first collaboration of its kind between an Olympic International Federation and alliance of host broadcasters, the partnership is focussed on addressing emissions from production-related activities such as travel, energy use, and materials. Over two seasons, baseline data was collected across 11 x IBU World Cups and 3 x World Championships to enable informed decision-making and practical emissions reductions of up to 67% compared to standard working practices.

Beyond data, the initiative has promoted sustainable practices throughout the broadcast value chain, including suppliers and freelance crews, while also encouraging the systematic integration of climate content into broadcasts. Resources, tools, and training have been developed to support host broadcasters, and knowledge has been shared widely across the EBU community.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to science-based climate targets and demonstrates how international collaboration can drive measurable progress. The EBU x IBU Sustainable Production partnership offers a scalable model and actionable response for the future of major sports event host broadcasting.

The Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA) is a pioneering partnership of over 20 UK water sports governing bodies—including Paddle UK, British Triathlon, Swim England, the RYA, and others—united by a single, urgent vision: Healthy and nature rich blue spaces across the UK for everyone to enjoy watersports.

Sparked by the growing crisis of water pollution and fragmented advocacy, CWSA was born to amplify the collective voice of water sports in national conversations on environmental policy and public health. Together, the Alliance has influenced major policy reforms, such as shifting environmental frameworks such as the Bathing Water regulations and securing action from the water sector to make change.

Through shared data, coordinated campaigns, and hands-on community engagement, CWSA has catalysed a powerful social movement rooted in environmental action and sporting solidarity. It models a new kind of partnership—interdisciplinary, inclusive, and impact-driven. CWSA doesn’t just fight for clean water; it fights for the future of sport, public well-being, and environmental justice.

The CWSA must succeed—because the future of our sports depends on it.

UpWind by MerConcept, powered by 11th Hour Racing, is a purpose-led partnership transforming gender equity in offshore sailing.

Launched in 2024, the programme tackles underrepresentation of women in elite multihull racing by creating a high-level, professional pathway for women and diverse talent – both on board and within technical teams.

The partnership brings together MerConcept – an offshore racing pioneer founded by François Gabart – and 11th Hour Racing – a global NGO at the intersection of sport and ocean impact . Together, they are building a bold, visible and replicable model for inclusion and sustainability in sailing.

UpWind’s flagship team is led by Anne-Claire Le Berre, with the goal of reaching the start of the Route du Rhum 2026 – a first for a woman on a multihull in over 20 years. The ambition goes far beyond: to elevate women from all backgrounds into high-performance roles and to upskill a new generation of diverse talent across the industry.

This is more than a team. It’s a systemic shift – purpose-built to open doors, grow skills, and redefine who gets to race, lead and innovate in offshore sailing.

Nature plays a very important role in providing the best conditions for athletes’ performance. Any disruption means disruption to sports. It is to our best interest to address the challenges we face today around the triple planetary crisis of Climate change, Biodiversity change, waste and pollution. Collaboration to achieve this goal is key and action required is urgent. We must also not leave anyone behind and so is important to include also the marginalized people and areas/regions.

This is the moment to act.

Faithful to the Planet is truly a first-of-its-kind sustainability program within the sports & entertainment industry. It’s impact has already been vast – impacting both regional and global beneficiary projects focused on environmental sustainability issues – such as climate change and forest restoration.

While many sports entities and venues/stadiums across the world are true sustainability showcases within their own right – Faithful to the Planet takes the 49ers (and its brand partners) impact outside the 4-walls of the stadium to truly make a human and environmental impact that is both far reaching and measurable. Moreover, the innovative nature of the program allows for the program to continue to make collective impact for years and years to come – to the point where we really we are just scratching the surface.

Every year, over 150 million tennis balls are used in the U.S. and nearly all go to waste after a few hours of play. This partnership is flipping the script.

RecycleBalls built the only nationwide infrastructure to reclaim and repurpose tennis and padel balls at scale. With a patented recycling process and a network of over 2,000 volunteers, facilities, and tournaments across the U.S. and Canada, they’ve already collected more than 17 million balls and created second-life uses in schools, health systems, and equine sports, before recycling ever begins.

Laykold, the world’s leading sport surfacing brand and official court provider for the US Open, Indian Wells, and Miami Open, stepped in to supercharge the mission. Together, they created a new recycled materials supply chain. Turning balls once destined for landfill into the foundation for high-performance courts. Keeping balls in the game for years.

In the first year of partnership alone, over 2.1 million balls will be used to build Laykold courts across North America, embedding 250,000+ pounds of recycled material. Each court features branded collection bins and signage, growing both awareness and action.

From grassroots courts to Grand Slams, this is a systems-level solution—replicable, measurable, and game-changing.

Move For The Planet is a yearly global initiative led by adidas, focused on improving the places where we play sports – particularly in communities most affected by climate change. adidas partners with Common Goal and United Nations Climate Change to fund projects that provide sustainability education and help make sports facilities more resilient against heatwaves, flooding, and other extreme weather conditions. 

By inspiring everyday athletes to track their movement, the initiative transforms individual action into collective impact – raising funds to support education and improve the spaces where sport is played. 

At its core, the initiative empowers sport-for-good organisations to lead locally tailored climate projects in three key areas: 

• Infrastructure adaptation – such as improved drainage systems in India and enhanced waste management in Colombia, making spaces safer and more climate-resilient. 

• Climate education – including access to a global digital platform supporting youth organisations in promoting sustainable practices. 

• Sustainable operations– introducing circular systems, conversing water, and increasing access to green energy.  

Move For The Planet is unique in its ability to mobilise a powerful ecosystem – including international institutions, athletes, and consumers – while keeping local sport-for-good organisations at the centre, driving community-led, lasting climate solutions. 

Ocean Conservancy’s Protect Where We Play initiative and GOAL joined forces to tackle the issue of single-use plastic waste in sports and live entertainment venues. Their shared goal: to pilot a reusable cup program that demonstrates both environmental and business value. Ocean Conservancy brought expertise in ocean protection and fan engagement, while GOAL offered access and expertise to sustainability-minded venues across North America. Together, they created a model that reframes sustainability as a fan-driven, branded experience—activating audiences to reduce waste and inspiring broader industry adoption.

The partnership’s primary objective is to prevent one million single-use plastic cups from entering the waste stream, with early pilots already showing over 70% return rates. The first year serves as a proof of concept to validate the financial and operational feasibility of reuse systems. After the tour, both partners will agree on a permanent use for the cups to ensure ongoing impact.

Beyond the events, the partnership will share results and key learnings with peers, venue operators, and partners, helping to scale waste-free solutions across the industry. It sets a new standard for climate-conscious innovation—proving that when purpose, operations, and fan culture align, sustainability can be both effective and enduring.

Race for Impact is a groundbreaking partnership between High Impact Athletes (HIA) and HYROX, the world’s fastest-growing fitness sport, designed to embed high-impact giving into the race experience of everyday athletes. Launched in 2025, it enables HYROX participants to race not only for personal achievement but for one of four critical causes: climate solutions, global health, mental health, or women’s empowerment.

Through a seamless integration of peer-to-peer fundraising into HYROX’s global event series, athletes can now sign up as “impact racers,” choose a cause, and create measurable, trackable change, from funding medical treatments to preventing CO₂ emissions. Powered by HIA’s rigorously vetted portfolio of the world’s most effective charities, every donation is backed by data and real-world results.

With a potential reach of over 600,000 athletes annually, early modelling shows that if just 10% take part, the impact could include over 11 million tonnes of CO₂ mitigated, 2.5 million medical treatments funded, and mental health care provided to over 350,000 people.

This is more than a charity initiative—it’s a new model for purpose in sport. Scalable, credible, and athlete-led, Race for Impact is turning physical effort into global progress.

The collaboration between WSL Football and Pledgeball has created a scalable blueprint for how clubs and leagues can engage their fans on climate in and around fixtures. Launched at the 2024 Subway Women’s League Cup Final in Derby, the campaign demonstrated how a major sporting event—often linked with high travel, energy use, and waste—can instead drive sustainable change.

Operationally, the campaign delivered firsts: Derby County FC eliminated single-use plastic bottles, introduced lower-carbon food options, and produced its first-ever carbon footprint report, giving WSL Football a baseline for future fixtures. These actions were communicated to fans and framed wider activations at the Final: the walk from station to stadium became an interactive journey, volunteers ran challenges and conversations along this route, and supporters participated through low-carbon meals, vintage shirts, recycling, and reusable cups.

The impact was measurable and lasting. WSL Football staff received climate engagement training, while player-led videos and influencer campaigns reached over 70,000 fans. Surveys revealed 97% of supporters believe clubs should address climate change, directly shaping WSL Football’s strategy.

By combining leadership-led measures with fan participation, the initiative set a precedent for how clubs and leagues can use their platforms to engage audiences on climate.

Joanna Czutkowna is a doctoral researcher at Loughborough University, specialising in circularity within football apparel. Her academic work is grounded in over 20 years of global industry experience, including a decade based in China, where she led sourcing and innovation teams for some of the world’s largest apparel brands.

With deep, practical expertise across product development and supply chains, Joanna brings a practitioner perspective to academic research, connecting theory with real-world impact.

Her current research explores how circular approaches to kit, such as reuse, resale, and material innovation can reduce environmental impact while also removing social and financial barriers to participation in sport.

By linking economic, environmental, and social dimensions, her work offers a pathway to practical, scalable solutions that can be implemented by sports organizations.

Through this academic lens, Joanna is helping to build a more holistic understanding of how rethinking sports kit can deliver multiple benefits, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for sport.

Joanna is also Managing Director of 5THREAD, which works towards a system of collaborative change by supporting organizations across sport and fashion to transition towards circular and regenerative models through research, strategy, and on-the-ground implementation.

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of high performance racing. With a global calendar and tight turnarounds between races, disruptions due to climate hazards present a significant risk to the series.

In this article, we describe the process for setting evidence-based boundary conditions for climate hazards in motorsport, and then apply them to 25 race circuits in F1. Our findings show that extreme heat is the biggest threat, affecting 19 of the 25 circuits.

Flooding poses risks to 18 locations, poor air quality could compromise 10 sites, and heavy rainfall threatens seven venues. Singapore and Qatar emerged as the most vulnerable locations, while Austria has a lower climate risk profile.

The boundaries proposed herein are new and require further refinement; however, they allow us to draw some initial conclusions about the vulnerabilities of the F1 series.

This research provides a foundation for developing climate adaptation plans in motorsport and beyond, offering a roadmap for sport-specific climate risk analysis that moves beyond the classic use of heat stress indices as the primary point of analysis.

As climate change intensifies, Formula 1’s response to climate risks outlined in this study may set precedents for the global sport and tourism industries facing similar pressures.

This report was produced in July 2025 to assess how conditions have deteriorated in the six years since the original Hit for Six report, which first examined climate change impacts on cricket, and prompted legendary spinner Shane Warne to say the game must “have a plan, a strategy, for how we adapt to climate change.”

This report focuses on India – the nation containing most of the world’s billion cricket fans – and contains the first comprehensive heat exposure data for a major global sporting league. It documents both elite experiences and grassroots impacts through testimonies from players, coaches and administrators.

The 2025 Hit for Six report establishes a baseline for measuring climate impacts on sport. It offering evidence-based recommendations, making essential reading for administrators, policymakers, and researchers addressing climate resilience in sport. The research also shifts the climate-sport conversation from theoretical future risks to documented present realities.

The report’s inclusive approach – combining elite athlete testimonies with grassroots experiences – demonstrates climate change’s cascading effects throughout sporting ecosystems, making the case for comprehensive rather than piecemeal adaptation strategies.

This evidence base empowers sporting organizations, policymakers, and athletes to advocate for systemic change while implementing immediate protective measures.

While the concepts of integrity and sustainability in sport have attracted significant attention by all academia, policy and practice over the past few years, they have been discussed independently, and without any efforts for potential links between them to be identified.

In this our research book, we argue that these two concepts are fundamentally interlinked, with interconnections noted in each of their dimensions. As such, we introduce the five dimensions of Integrity in sport model, before we present the Integrity – Sustainability in Sport Framework and how it can be operationalised in the world of sport.

This paper investigates how stakeholders—fans, players, and staff—can influence the adoption of environmental sustainability practices in European grassroots football clubs.

Using data from 1,457 respondents across Belgium, France, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, the study applies structural equation modeling to examine the relationships between stakeholders’ environmental knowledge, sensitivity, expectations, and the resulting pressures on clubs to improve resource efficiency and environmental management.

Findings reveal that environmental sensitivity, more than knowledge, significantly shapes stakeholders’ expectations for football organizations to engage in climate and sustainability actions. While fans show high expectations for environmental action, their knowledge on the topic is comparatively lower, suggesting a need for better communication and education strategies. The study also shows that these expectations effectively drive the implementation of practices such as waste reduction, water and energy conservation, and sustainable mobility.

Differences across stakeholder groups indicate that inclusive engagement strategies are essential. The paper concludes that stakeholder-driven pressure is a valuable mechanism to promote sustainability, especially in grassroots contexts where financial resources are limited but community ties are strong.

The research offers both theoretical contributions to stakeholder theory in sport ecology and practical guidance for clubs and policymakers to leverage stakeholder engagement for meaningful environmental change.

Our briefing investigates a rapid and scalable intervention to drive systemic change in Football.

Despite 84% of football fans accepting the scientific consensus on climate change, most rarely talk about it in football contexts. Our impact assessment reveals that fans significantly underestimate how many others share their concern – a misperception known as pluralistic ignorance – which suppresses climate conversations and limits collective action.

Using survey data from over 1,600 fans and 20 interviews with matchgoers, our study found that initiatives like Pledgeball – which ask fans to make voluntary climate pledges tied to their club – can break this silence.

Fans who pledged spoke more frequently about climate change and were more accurate in estimating others’ beliefs. Interventions, like Pledgeball , could helped shift social norms and unlock virtuous spirals of climate action.

Our work is the first to explore climate silence in British football and offers clear, practical recommendations for clubs, governing bodies and venues.

It clarifies a previously unaddressed mechanism limiting climate engagement, pluralistic ignorance, and demonstrates how it can be disrupted in football settings. Sport has immense potential to lead on climate, and this research shows how fans can be part of the solution.

Arsenal has become the only football club in the world to have a net-zero target approved by the globally respected Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The approval of our net-zero target by the SBTi means that our action plan aligns with the most ambitious pathway to limit global temperature rises. 

Through the validation process we have transformed our understanding of the sources of emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3 and the actions we need to take as a club, along with our supporters and our community, to achieve our net-zero target.

Since the launch of our target in November 2024, we continue to take action to reduce our footprint. Following the installation of 9,000 LED lights across Emirates Stadium and moving to 100% renewable energy across all sites, we have since started a project to decarbonise our Head Office.

We also continue to support the delivery of our action plan through awareness and education, providing training for all our people as well as over 600 young people from across our local community, whilst collaborating with our supporters around the world on sustainable action.

This campaign was to make it easier for Brentford fans to cycle to Premier League matches. The club worked with Wheelskeep to set up temporary bikes around the stadium to increase bike parking infrastructure on a matchday.

The fan base is highly localised, with 64% living in West London. The club provided food and drink vouchers for participants to encourage those to cycle, as well as free bike mechanics, supported fans organise group rides as well as provide the secure bike parking all for free.

The campaign was a success, with the number of cyclists tripling across the selected matchdays. Awareness amongst the fanbase was high at 86% and the experience was positive (9.1/10). The club and Wheelskeep are preparing to expand the initiative in the upcoming season, for more match days and to encourage a long-term behaviour change.

The Canadian Olympic Committee believes sport has the power to transform Canada. Through the Team Canada Impact Agenda and together with our partners, the COC is committed to making sport safe, inclusive and barrier-free so more young people can play and stay in sport.

Opened in May 2024, Co-op Live rapidly set a new global benchmark for sustainability in sports and entertainment. Designed from the ground up with environmental impact in mind, the arena is the only non-U.S. venue to be 100% electric and powered entirely by renewable energy, with no on-site gas. Its sustainable initiatives include rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting, zero waste to landfill, and a biodiversity ring.

This transformation was guided by bold leadership from Oak View Group and City Football Group, alongside naming rights partner Co-op, embedding climate mitigation into every decision — from construction through daily operations. A reusable cup program has already saved over 4.2 tonnes of plastic, and partnerships, staff training, and artist engagement drive continuous progress. Fan travel is 55% low-emission, and food & beverage efforts support local suppliers while evolving toward lower-carbon menus.

Beyond the environment, Co-op Live’s commitment to social impact is profound: over £1.4 million has been donated to charitable causes, and thousands of free tickets and performance opportunities have been provided to local residents and emerging artists.

Co-op Live isn’t just an arena — it’s a blueprint for how large-scale venues can lead climate action and community impact.

In 2024, FIS launched its ground-breaking Impact Programme, a holistic roadmap targeting carbon reduction, biodiversity, inclusion, and governance.

Key initiatives include a tailored, free CO₂ Calculator for all World Cup and Championship event organizers and National Ski Associations; strategic collaborations with WMO and ESA; training for event organizers; athlete engagement via Snowmorrow; two new awards recognizing the best sustainability practices – the Combined For Change Award within the Nordic Combined community and the Nature and Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Award – and transparent reporting through the 2024 Impact Report.

A key milestone in 2024 was the recalculation of the CO₂ baseline using improved data accuracy and broader participation, replacing past estimates with a more reliable foundation for action.

Social progress has also been significant, including the formation of a refugee athlete team and achieving gender parity on the FIS management board.

FIS has institutionalized sustainability through internal governance structures and long-term targets. By translating strategic commitments into concrete tools, data-driven insights, and inclusive actions, FIS demonstrates genuine leadership. By addressing environmental, social, and governance priorities in a coordinated way, FIS provides a practical example of how sustainability can be integrated into the operations of an international sports federation.

Hockey Australia has rapidly transformed its approach to sustainability, making climate action a core organisational priority. Since 2022, it has become a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and launched its Climate Sustainability Strategy, committing to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2040.

The organisation has completed two consecutive GHG Protocol‑aligned emissions assessments (CY23 and CY24), reducing reported emissions from 2,176 tCO₂e to 1,501 tCO₂e through refined measurement and operational improvements. This robust data foundation now informs updated policies for travel, procurement and event delivery, with annual reporting ensuring transparency and accountability.

Hockey Australia’s governance model has evolved, with the Sustainability Working Group driving internal initiatives supported by everclime’s Impact‑as‑a‑Service partnership, which also delivers a commercial viability framework to unlock partner‑funded impact opportunities.

Innovative engagement has been a hallmark of this journey, including impact contributions for every player in the FIH Pro League Sydney 2025 and a planned initiative for the 2026 Pro League in Tasmania, where a portion of each ticket sale will support a local environmental project.

By combining ambition with measurable action, Hockey Australia is setting a benchmark for climate leadership in sport and inspiring positive change across its community.

Hong Kong China Rugby this year launched “The Call Of The Dragon”, Rugby’s first Sustainability Action Plan pulling together People, Planet and Social Impact. The action plan follows HKCR’s 2024 decision to name Sustainability as one of three key pillars in its 10-year strategic plan.

The Call Of The Dragon sets objectives, a strategy, a baseline and key targets within each area, pulling together in a 5 year timeline at the end of the plan. Enablers are laid out that will be required to achieve this plan. The absolute buy in of HKCR at board level and from the CEO and Senior Management, seeing sustainability as a key strategic pillar, has enabled this success. The aim is not only to transform HKCR operations, but to transform the landscape of rugby.

Other sports are pushing ahead in the sustainability space but rugby is lagging behind. World Rugby provided great leadership, but Unions must follow suit and to drive action. The hope is that this plan will galvanise action.

Owned by the City of Charlotte and operated by Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) with back-of-house support from the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Charlotte’s Spectrum Center is the Carolinas’ premium sustainable sports and entertainment venue, serving as a leader in sustainability best practices within the industry. With the Re!magine Spectrum Center arena renovation project officially tipping off in May 2024, sustainability continues to be top of mind.

The building has many initiatives to tackle Carbon & Greenhouse Gas in alignment with the City of Charlotte’s Strategic Energy Action Plan to be carbon neutral in municipal buildings and fleet by 2030.

Each year Spectrum Center participates in Power Down the Crown – a voluntary building energy performance benchmarking program that invites public and private organizations with buildings in Charlotte to share their building energy performance data. Collectively, participants aim to contribute to Power Down the Crown’s goal of reducing the program-wide energy use intensity (energy use per ft2) by 10% by 2030. HSE and Spectrum Center are highly dedicated to driving change within the arena, while also promoting environmental awareness among staff as well as fans in our community and across the Carolinas.

Home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, the award-winning State Farm Arena is a next-generation sports and live entertainment venue focused on experience, sustainability, and service.

Inspired by the city, State Farm Arena showcases the core values of the organization: inclusiveness, authenticity, and innovation. From the first ever in-arena barbershop with the Killer Mike SWAG Shop to the Hawk Bar on the court behind the basket to the concourse to the Topgolf Swing Suites, State Farm Arena is True to Atlanta. Community and sustainability are at the core as the arena hosts the largest annual food distribution event with Million Meal Pack and the arena was also the first venue in the world to earn TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Platinum certification for zero-waste.

State Farm Arena was recently named Best Venue by Front Office Sports, a leading multi-platform media and news organization, and consistently ranks among the top 10 concert and event venues in the world from industry-leading publications Pollstar and Billboard. Accessible to every fan with a MARTA station adjacent, the downtown Atlanta arena hosts approximately 175 events and close to 2 million guests annually and stakes its claim as the city’s best sports and live entertainment venue.

Suzuka, Japan’s iconic international racing courses, has become a model for sustainability in motorsports and event management. This transformation began in March 2022, when the circuit made sustainability a core priority and set ambitious net-zero goals by 2030.

By the 2025 F1 Japanese GP, Suzuka achieved key milestones: net-zero emissions for Scope 1&2, 100% renewable energy use, and zero single-use plastic provision.

These results were driven by a combination of internal and external efforts. Internally, the success came from strong leadership commitment, the creation of an ISO14001-inspired EMS, comprehensive staff training, and the dedication of in-house specialists. Externally, partnerships with companies including TESS Engineering for renewable energy, and UACJ for the use of aluminum cups, were vital. Additionally, the formation of “Suzuka F1 Japanese GP Regional Revitalization Council,” with 36 organizations including local government and transportation entities, enabled unprecedented regional collaborations.

With a cumulative total of 266,000 fans visiting the Circuit in the 3-day, Suzuka positions itself as a “testing ground for solving social challenges,” inviting organizations to implement and test innovative solutions. Moving forward, we aim to expand these efforts and widely share our initiatives to inspire best practices not only in mobility but in other audience-driven industries worldwide.

In just four years, Liverpool Football Club has pioneered one of the most ambitious and comprehensive sustainability transformations in global sport through its holistic strategy, The Red Way. Embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of the club’s operations, The Red Way drives measurable impact while supporting commercial growth and community wellbeing.

Since launching in 2021, Liverpool FC has reduced its carbon emissions by 15% against a 2019–20 baseline, transitioned 96% of its energy use to renewable sources, and increased matchday plastic bottle recycling from 25% to 90%. The club’s expanded Anfield stadium and state of the art Melwood training facility showcase sustainability by design, incorporating low-carbon construction and biodiversity enhancements.

The Red Way is governed at board level, aligned to 16 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, and validated by internationally recognised standards including ISO 20121, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, and PAS 2060. Beyond operations, Liverpool FC leverages its global platform to unite partners, players, and fans around sustainability, demonstrating football’s unique power to drive systemic change. This ongoing transformation delivers substantial environmental, social, and economic benefits locally and globally, setting a new benchmark for sustainability leadership in sport.

In 2023, Sporting Giants and Useful Projects partnered with UK Sport to deliver a 2-year sustainability programme becoming the world’s largest multi-sport national sustainability project: the Sustainability Accelerator Programme.

This groundbreaking initiative supported 30 Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to embed sustainability into the core of elite sport in the UK.

The programme provided tailored, hands-on support to NGBs regardless of size or starting point. Each organisation was guided through calculating their carbon footprints, developing action plans, and participating in expert-led masterclasses—all while fostering collaboration and peer learning.

The results were transformational:

84% of participating NGBs now view sustainability as a long-term strategic priority.
100% feel more equipped to take meaningful sustainability action.
81% now see sustainability as a commercial opportunity, not just a cost.
This programme also catalysed commercial and cultural shifts, with NGBs forming purpose-led partnerships and uniting on initiatives like sustainable kit standards.

Celebrated by the International Olympic Committee as a global first and a ‘powerful example of how a high-performance multi-sport system can come together to drive collective action on climate’, the Accelerator Programme has shown that sustainability is not a sideline or luxury: it’s a cornerstone of modern, resilient, high-performance sport.