The NOCs are getting their hands dirty. After two and a half years, the European OCEAN project has just reached its final stage. Coordinated by the EOC, this project brought together 18 NOCs, the IOC and the ANOC around the challenge of reducing the carbon footprintThis program has specifically trained 18 people, one per NOC involved, on climate action within sports organizations. All NOCs – Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Belgium, Denmark, Croatia, Greece, etc. – have measured their carbon footprint and adopted a strategy intended to reduce it.
“Sport has both a responsibility and a strong interest in acting in favor of the climate, comments Folker Hellmund, Director of the EU Office at the EOC. Our impact on climate change is not negligible, and we depend on a stable climate to preserve our competitions, our infrastructure, and the well-being of all those who practice sport. OCEAN has been an exceptional project, bringing together 18 European NOCs around this common cause. This united front sends a powerful message: sport is ready to take the lead. »
The #OCEANPROJECT Final Conference is now underway!
— OCEAN Project (@OCEANErasmus) May 13, 2025
Watch our project video showing the journey of 18 National Olympic Committees in reducing their carbon footprint, featuring testimonials from Climate Action Officers.🌱
Together we can make a change! pic.twitter.com/OBE87kiHMp
Julie Duffus, head of sustainable development at the IOC, and Andres Santi, head of events and projects at ANOC, now believe that this European community is equipped to " share its expertise and continue to take action in favor of the climate ", within and beyond national contexts: “The OCEAN project has been a success and we are convinced that it can encourage other positive actions » Several practical resources from this project are now accessible to all sports organizations, including a CO2 emissions calculator, an action guide, an analysis of the emissions of the 18 participating NOCs and a panel of carbon footprint reduction strategies.
