SPORTS, EVENTS
& CULTURE

From large scale, transitory sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, through to smaller, static venues, such as museums and libraries, the sports and cultural sector can have a significant environmental impact. That impact is multi-faceted and in some instances beyond the direct control of organisers. Whether it be related to energy and material use, attendee travel or waste generated, the industry can produce huge GHG emissions, degrade local air quality and deplete natural resources. 

The industry can however also be a powerful driver for societal change. Sports and cultural events can inspire a sense of community. They unite people from diverse backgrounds and can become a tool for transformation through the deep emotional attachments that people form around those organisations or events. As such, the industry has an opportunity to play a huge role in the global transition to a more sustainable economy by addressing its own impact, conveying compelling messages and inspiring change. 

The events and sports industries must deliver high quality services and experiences for fans and attendees. To date, sustainability has been seen as at odds with high quality service provision, however society is reaching a tipping point. Research suggests sports fans are already receptive to environmental initiatives and as attitudes change, sustainability will become a fundamental to high-quality service provision. Putting sustainability at the heart of sporting organisations and cultural events will be crucial to attracting new fans and attendees.

Addressing the sustainability of events can however be challenging – for example, 85% of GHG emissions related to major sporting events can be caused by attendee travel and accommodation. These are components that are difficult for organisers to address and highlights that sustainability within the sports and events industry needs to focus on not only addressing its own impact, but also on education, promotion and advocacy for climate action.