The prioritization of sustainability is an elusive concept in event planning. In a capitalistic society, sustainability is often an afterthought overshadowed by more pressing initiatives. Simply stated, generating a profit has a greater immediate impact and a higher priority to most than saving the planet. Generally, the leaders of organizations hosting events are focused on the goals that ensures operational efficiency and effectiveness while guaranteeing the safety, health and welfare of all participants. But gradually, that is changing.
Crisis planning to minimize internal and external threats that may disrupt the event is essential for organizers, but strategizing how to make an event more environmentally friendly is often viewed only as a minor gesture to satisfy a small majority of tree huggers and radical climate enthusiasts. Rarely is there a collective and intentional effort or tangible incentive for event operations to act in a way that prioritizes activities promoting sustainability over profitability and exposure. In other words, sustainability is not a priority for most event hosts and organizers.
Read more content in this issue!
Case Study: 2024 Paris Olympics
The concept of sustainability in hosting and organizing sporting events involves stewardship of resources to ensure the viability of sport for future generations. Part of the legacy for the Paris 2024 Olympics was promoting itself as the most sustainable or “Greenest Games” in history earmarked by an ambitious environmental strategy to champion an eco-responsible mega-event that bettered the city and all citizens of France.
That self-designated title involved a massive effort, locally and nationally, to embed sustainability into every stage of project management from the initial bidding process beginning in 2015 extending well past the end of the Games to achieve goals and standards earmarked for 2050. No other Olympics prioritized sustainability goals to the degree France did for the 2024 Games. By weaving sustainability into its core identity, Paris 2024 set a new standard for future Olympics and global events.
France’s commitment to prioritizing sustainability encompassed every aspect of planning and execution ensuring environmental, social and economic impacts were responsibly managed. The Paris Olympics cultivated a reputation of being eco-responsible as it fulfilled a promise to harness sustainable solutions at every point of preparation and operations.
To achieve this reputation, the organizing committee collaborated with a wide network of stakeholders to develop its sustainability framework. Among these stakeholders were the French State and local authorities; the French National Olympic and Paralympic Committees; national sport federations; the International Olympic Committee; trade unions; partner marketing companies; employer organizations; financial institutions and the general public.
The efforts of the Paris 2024 Olympic Organizing Committee toward establishing sustainability were apparent in many ways. From the beginning, the concept of environmental impact reduction was at the heart of the concept for the Paris 2024 Games from which two major ambitions were prioritized:
- Deliver an edition of the Games that can be held up as an inspiring example socially and environmentally in every effort related to organizing the Paris 2024 Games.
- Leave a strong and enduring social and environmental legacy that harnesses sport to benefit individuals, society and the planet.
Many examples of the commitment to these two ambitions were evident in the production of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The following are a few noteworthy contributions to sustainability efforts:
- Temporary and existing structures to meet 95 percent of its infrastructure needs in venues that were completely accessible by public and environmentally friendly transportation
- A zero-waste policy was implemented.
- The athlete village was repurposed as a mixed-use neighborhood for both families and students with 25 to 40 percent allocated for social housing.
- Operational tools were employed to help Paris 2024 teams integrate social and environmental challenges into their activities including checklists of sustainability best practices, standards, engagement charters and sustainability guides.
- Geothermal and solar power were used as energy sources at the Olympic Village.
- 9,000 trees were planted around the Olympic Village and 200,000 throughout the city.
- 3,000 pay-as-you-go bikes were distributed for public use around Paris.
- The Olympic Village served an abundance of plant-based food (more availability than any previous Olympics).
- The beds in the Olympic village had cardboard frames.
The Case for Sustainability
Why should event organizers mimic as many of the efforts as possible of the Paris 2024 Olympic Organizing Committee to promote sustainability practices such as energy efficiency, the use of eco-friendly materials and maximum waste reduction? For one, a concern and commitment to sustainability practices demonstrates corporate social responsibility (CSR) which appeals to a broad audience. CSR is more than a buzz term. It is a representation that the event is accepting a role as a vital part of the community that cares about the longevity of the area and the individuals within its footprint.
Creating the perception that an event practices CSR and prioritizes sustainability helps to shape a favorable image and positive impression about the event among the general public. The likability factor of an event increases when it touts the fact that it is, as a whole, socially conscientious about the materials intentionally used and the companies intentionally associated with that are also sustainability and community minded.
Another reason to commit to sustainability strategies when event planning is to help chip away at massive environmental issues that are real today or which will have a huge impact on future generations (e.g., climate change). Consider that reportedly, less than nine percent of the metals, minerals, fossil fuels and biomass that enter the economy are cycled back into it after use. This inefficient consumption pattern is not sustainable in the long run.
Adopting resource management practices for procuring materials and staging events can have a ripple effect on improving the environment and the overall economy. A circular economy is one focused on reuse or regeneration of materials and products. It simply takes an intentional effort to add multiple trash bins to separate plastic and paper or to purchase signage for sponsors and concession products that are made from recycled material. Similarly, it simply takes an intentional effort to contract with vendors and suppliers that are also environmentally and socially conscious.
Sustainability extends to the protection of three areas: social, economic and environmental. With these three areas in mind, consider the following suggestions for initiatives that demonstrate sustainability efforts when planning and operating sport events.
Social Sustainability
- Protect, regenerate and recognize the value of biodiversity
- Create opportunities for civic engagement and professional reintegration for young people, especially in disadvantaged and impoverished areas
- Improve living conditions and catalyze development in regions or areas hosting the event
- Develop professional skills among local residents, in particular those in long-term unemployment
- Promote better inclusion of people with disabilities
Economic Sustainability
- Set up a circular economy (reuse and regenerate)
- Practice responsible purchasing strategies such as soliciting bids for major projects
- Provide support for jobseekers ahead of the event
- Support very small, small and medium- sized businesses
- Reuse existing venues instead of building new facilities
Environmental Sustainability
- Manage waste: Limit single-use plastic products
- Use sustainable equipment such as bleachers made out of recycled material
- Promote carbon neutrality (reducing carbon gas emissions) to create pollution-free transportation and mitigate climate issues
- Promote other forms of energy such as geothermal and solar power
- Avoid takeovers of natural areas, woodlands and farmlands
- Source locally produced food in season in accordance with nutritional and health guidelines
Not all event organizers and hosts have the luxury of time and resources available to global entities such as an Olympic Organizing Committee. Not all event organizers can embed sustainability initiatives into every aspect of planning and operations. However, even small efforts can have lasting results. Ultimately, prioritizing sustainability not only safeguards the planet but also enhances an event’s reputation and fosters both trust and loyalty among participants, sponsors and the local community. SDM
About the Author
