The sports industry is one of the biggest in the world, and for good reason, too. Legendary performances, world-renowned athletes, historic tournaments and prestigious trophies are just a handful of ingredients that make sports events so magnificent and memorable. Behind the scenes, organisations and regulatory bodies such as FIFA or the International Olympic Committee are responsible for building up these events and broadcasting them to billions of fans around the world.
On an environmental and ethical level, not all of the practices and means through which these bodies operate are as squeaky clean as they should be despite having billion-dollar budgets and huge influence economically and politically. That is not to say that they are unfair or unethical, but just that still, a lot of the supply chains and procedures that they use leave some to be desired. From the sports merchandise manufacturing regulations and partnerships to infrastructure construction and maintenance, the biggest sports corporations have a long way to go to become fully fair and pragmatic.
At FairPlay Ethics, we explore the various challenges that still exist and the innovative solutions to solving them. The question is no longer whether sport should go green; it's how quickly and effectively it can do so.
How Mega Sports Events Impact the Environment
A FIFA World Cup cannot be thrown together in the space of a few months. Events and competitions of this size are years in the making and require gigantic budgets, endless logistics, and massive marketing endeavours. The prep work and running such events consume a huge amount of energy, food and water and can be extremely taxing on the environment.
The environmental impact can take many forms. Air travel by teams, officials, and spectators generates significant emissions. Temporary infrastructure, such as media centres or pop-up fan zones, often results in construction waste. Water use, particularly in hot climates, becomes a major concern when maintaining green playing surfaces or accommodating tens of thousands of guests. Food waste, plastic packaging, and excessive energy use further compound the problem.
How Can Organising Committees Be More Eco-Friendly
Some aspects will naturally damage the environment or use up a tremendous amount of resources, whereas other efforts can be made in a much more eco-friendly way. Mitigating the consumption carbon footprints, and using sustainable technologies can go a long way to solving the problem, and the organisers must be accountable for these practices.
The IOC, for example, set up the Olympic Agenda 2020+5, which works tirelessly to reduce the environmental impact of the Olympic Games. Each edition of the Olympic Games that followed used more renewable energy, utilised more existing infrastructure, and applied conscious construction technology to make the games more sustainable. From sourcing sustainable materials to providing low-emission transport, the Olympic Games became far more environmentally conscious.
The IOC is not the only organisation that has integrated green-friendly procedures and practices into its operations. FIFA, UEFA, and various football federations have also done their part to address issues ranging from emissions and energy use to biodiversity and waste reduction.
Pioneers Leading by Example
Environmentally friendly practices don't only relate to the bigger scale of things. It does not just mean cutting down the carbon footprint of transport, energy use, and sustainable construction techniques. No, it can also boil down to smaller details and practices that fans can also take part in to help the effort.
One of the best examples of this is Forest Green Rovers, an EFL club in Gloucestershire. This club is dedicated to being the greenest football club and has gone through all kinds of efforts, from installing solar panels to serving vegan food only in their buffet. The team plays on an organic pitch, has banned plastic straws, and sources its equipment and accessories locally. Though still a grassroots movement, Forest Green Rovers lead by example and show the extent to which football clubs can do their part.
Event organisers, such as the UN's Sports for Climate Action Framework, help ensure that efforts are aligned with international climate commitments. They provide the networks needed for partnerships and third-party certifications to help more organisations meet sustainability goals. Whether it is through waste management, sourcing local materials, or managing digital ticketing systems, sports clubs and federations can enable more efficient and less harmful ways to stage events.
The Role of Fans and Sponsors
Sustainability in sport is not the responsibility solely of the organisers. There are critical roles for the fans, sponsors, and broadcasters to play. Spectators can, hence, practise greener travel methods, produce less waste on-site, and support measures that help offset their carbon footprints. Then, the sponsors, thanks to their financial clout, can apply pressure on greener practices at their events. They also carry a reputational risk if recognised for the promotion of activities considered by some to be environmentally destructive.
The media can sway the opinion of the public by highlighting both the achievements and failings of sustainability efforts. Reporting that centres all its focus on the athleticism and the spectacle will end up wasting the bigger backdrop these events happen. By prioritising the environmental angle, the journalists and broadcasters can aid in holding the organisers accountable and thereby fostering a long-term cultural revolution within the sport.
FairPlay Ethics Creating a Sustainable Future for Sports
FairPlay Ethics observes these ever-changing dynamics pertaining to sporting sustainability and reports on them. Everything must be considered, from Stadiums of Tomorrow to the matchday logistics of Today. For sport to continue to act as a source of pride and solidarity among nations, it would have to learn to live with what the planet can offer.