As sustainability becomes integral to the future of sport, Sport Future Rendez-Vous 2024 is set to tackle the complexities of making events truly sustainable. On 31st October, Benja Faecks, Policy Expert at Carbon Market Watch, will join the panel at the “Sustainability of Major Sport Events” session to discuss transparency, emissions management, and distinguishing real sustainability from greenwashing. Faecks’ expertise will bring a critical perspective to the panel, providing practical guidance on ensuring that sustainability claims in sport are backed by real action.
Ahead of the event, we spoke with Benja to gain insights on how to measure and improve sustainability in sport.
Q: Can we measure the success of sustainability initiatives in sport?
« Transparency is essential for understanding the impact of sustainability initiatives or claims in sport events. Without clear access to the methodology used to measure impact, the actual figures, and follow-up monitoring, it’s impossible to verify if these initiatives are effective. For civil society organisations, lack of transparency is a dealbreaker, as it’s necessary to inform the public accurately about complex issues. Only with open and honest communication can we measure and recognise genuine progress. »
Q: From your research, what are the key factors to consider in planning sustainable events?
« Event organisers need to start by identifying the largest sources of emissions and environmental harm, including ‘scope 3’ emissions that are indirectly linked to the event, such as merchandise production or athlete air travel. Mapping out the ‘avoidable’ emissions is crucial. For instance, a massive and avoidable emission is spectator air travel, it accounts for over a third of the total emissions projected for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Without addressing these significant sources of emissions, it’s difficult for an event to make credible claims of sustainability. »
Q: How can we distinguish between genuine sustainability efforts and greenwashing?
« Genuine sustainability efforts are characterised by ambitious, honest actions aimed at rapidly reducing an event’s carbon footprint to help meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement. Transparency must be at the heart of the planning process. Misleading claims, such as labelling an event ‘carbon neutral,’ ‘climate positive,’ or ‘zero emissions,’ should be avoided. Instead, events should communicate realistic goals, like reducing emissions against a baseline, as seen with the Paris 2024 Olympics, which consciously moved away from misleading headline claims. »
Join us on 31st October for this insightful discussion featuring Benja Faecks, alongside other thought leaders such as Vanessa Rueber, Community and Impact Manager at Patagonia, and Isabella Burczak, Cycling for All & Sustainability Manager at the Union Cycliste Internationale. Secure your place today!
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Registration: click here
Full Programme: click here
