The 2024 edition of the Sport Future Rendez-Vous event brought together around 100 participants, both in person and online, to tackle the pressing issue of sustainability in mega-sport events. The event opened with a presentation by Martin Müller, Professor of Geography and Sustainability at the University of Lausanne, and doctoral researcher Shreyya Rajagopal. They shared insights from “Sports for the Planet?”, an interdisciplinary project supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, aimed at setting new benchmarks for evaluating sustainability in major sports events through Economics, Sociology, Criminology, and Geography.
Müller framed the discussion through an « iconic image of global sport, » using Nike’s logo as a symbol of the industry’s growth-driven mindset, prioritising expansion and revenue at the expense of the environment. The research team identified three growth periods in the history of mega-events: the steady early stage from 1890 to 1949, the post-war boom from 1950 to 1999, and a slowdown in the 21st century. This unchecked growth has often conflicted with sustainability principles, driving resource depletion and environmental strain. Over the next four years, “Sports for the Planet?” will provide a framework to assess sustainability independently, countering the often exaggerated self-reported claims made by event organisers.
Panel Discussion: How Can Major Events Truly Embrace Sustainability?
Following the presentation, a panel discussion titled “How Can Major Events Truly Embrace Sustainability?” took the stage, exploring the practical challenges of making large-scale sports events more sustainable.
Moderated by The Sustainability Report’s Deputy Editor, George Timms, the panel explored the complexities of embedding sustainability into large-scale events. The panellists included Ioannis Konstantopoulos, researcher and sustainability consultant; Benja Faecks, policy expert at Carbon Market Watch; and Vanessa Rueber, Patagonia’s Community and Impact Manager in Switzerland. Together, they offered insights on the importance of transparency, community engagement, and restructuring event logistics to minimise environmental impact.
Vanessa opened the discussion with a bold statement: “The most sustainable event is no event,” encouraging organisers to reassess the very nature of large gatherings. She emphasised the logistical strain that events attracting huge crowds place on infrastructure, advocating for transparency about an event’s environmental footprint and feasible sustainability goals. “Show communities what can be done and how each event can improve on the last,” she advised.
Benja critiqued the over-reliance on carbon credits, which often serve as a way to « buy out » of accountability. While such credits can fund valuable projects, they don’t fully offset the environmental impact of events. She recommended a universal impact assessment model to hold all events to the same standard, ensuring transparency and genuine efforts to avoid greenwashing.
Ioannis highlighted the importance of dedicated sustainability teams, noting that adding sustainability responsibilities to existing roles dilutes their effectiveness. Partnerships with academia, he suggested, could bridge expertise gaps, helping event organisers meet sustainability targets despite varying local infrastructures. « Collaboration is essential; large events must embed sustainability into their core operations, » he stated.
Key Takeaways for a Sustainable Future in Sports
- Transparency and Community Engagement: Panellists emphasised the need to involve local NGOs and communities, using circular economy principles to minimise waste. “Every event should be an improvement on the last,” was a shared sentiment.
- Standardised Metrics and Open Communication: Setting consistent metrics for sustainability across events allows for progress tracking and comparability. Owning mistakes and transparent reporting help prevent greenwashing and build trust.
- Dedicated Sustainability Teams: Specialised teams are essential for effective, focused sustainability efforts. Rather than spreading sustainability tasks across roles, organisations should establish dedicated teams to drive impactful strategies.
The event closed with a reminder that sustainability is a journey, not a sprint. As Ioannis aptly put it, « It’s about balancing economic pressures with ecological responsibility and moving forward together. » Sport Future Rendez-Vous 2024 was a powerful call to action for the industry to embrace transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement, paving the way toward a sustainable future in sports.
