EuropeActive participated in the European Commission Expert Group on Green Sport, which is composed of representatives of the European sport movement and EU Member States, in an observer capacity.
The fourth meeting of the Expert Group took place on 17th February 2022. Several topics were discussed during this meeting, such as the outcomes of the COP26, sustainable sport practices across Europe, and the French Presidency priorities.
Ms Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, Sectors Engagement in Climate Action Lead, UNFCCC, gave an update on the Sport for Climate Action Framework. Through this Framework, organisations commit to support and drive the sports sector to net-zero emissions by mid-century, in line with a 1.5°C pathway.
This implies setting actual targets, measuring and reporting, submitting concrete plans, and communicating the ongoing progress to stakeholders and the general public. Almost 300 sport organizations have now committed to Sports for Climate Action, with 67 of them having established and committed to specific targets.
Subsequently, Juan Martorell, Deputy Director of the Spanish High Council for Sports, presented their new initiative called the Spanish Green Flag, which is a green label for eco-responsible organisers. It is implemented on three levels: committed sport event; responsible sport event; and sustainable sport event. This label also comprises awareness measures, such as communication campaigns. Bianca Quardokus of the German Olympic Sports Confederation then introduced the Green Champions 2.0 programme, which is an online tool for sport organisers in Germany which aims to provide organizers with information about concrete courses of action for planning and hosting sustainable sports events.
Lastly, Amandine Singla, Head of the Sport and Sustainable Development Unit, French Ministry of Sports, presented their new Charter on 15 sustainable commitments, elaborated with WWF. This Charter sets a list of commitments to be achieved by 2024 in different categories: limiting and measuring the environmental impact (e.g. reduce single plastic use, strongly reduce plane travels, preserving outdoors); act for a more responsible economy (e.g. measure the digital footprint, involve sponsoring to achieve the commitments listed in the Charter); fight discrimination (e.g. develop actions for more inclusive societies, reduce gender discriminations, involve people with disabilities); and inform and raise awareness of these issues (e.g. provide trainings for volunteers, develop courses on sustainability in schools).
The next meeting of the Expert Group will take place in May 2022.
