Launched in 2023, the UK Olympic Committee Sustainability Accelerator Programme is bearing fruit. 80% of national sports federations now see sustainability as a pillar and as a business driver more than a cost. There is still a long way to go, as only 40% have introduced new sustainability policies covering travel and events, but the IOC welcomes the momentum initiated by the voice of Julie Duffus, responsible for sustainability within the institution.
« This is the first initiative of its kind from a national sporting body and a powerful example of how a high-performance multi-sport system can unite to take collective action on climateshe insists. By helping the Olympic and Paralympic sports it oversees to integrate sustainable development into their strategies, UK Sport shows real leadershipWe hope this will inspire other federations and committees around the world to follow this example. »
The program helps federations in particular to calculate their carbon footprint and to create action plans for sustainability. "Sport is already feeling the effects of climate change, whether it's flooded fields or extreme heat affecting athletes and events, points out Sally Munday, chief executive of UK Sport. But this program shows what is possible when sport unites around a common ambition, and the response from national bodies has been incredible. It reminds us that with the right support, high-level sport can reduce its impact, strengthen its resilience and achieve significant progress on climate action. »
