Sport England, sportscotland, and Sport Wales have appointed Useful Projects to carry out a sports and physical activity sector consultation on environmental sustainability, that comprises focus groups, interviews, and a survey. On this page you can find out more about the consultation and how to get involved.
Why this consultation matters – Extreme weather, air quality and wider climate change are increasingly likely to impact participation levels, and when & where activity takes place. The impact of climate change upon community-based sport will affect people’s capability and opportunities to be active and could reinforce inequalities in participation. Equally, the sport and physical activity sector has a significant environmental impact that reinforces these effects. From energy use by sports facilities; travel by participants and workforce; to the production and consumption of sports equipment, products and services; and the creation of waste – we have considerable scope, opportunity and obligation to create positive change. However, there is no shared understanding of the problem across our sector, how to get started and where the sector can have the greatest impact. This consultation is a first step in addressing this.
The consultation period is April to May 2023, and will be taking place virtually to keep the environmental footprint of the project low, and to capture the views of as many groups and organisations as possible. The findings and insights from this consultation will be used to inform the environmental sustainability vision, priorities, and support for the sector.
The survey is open to everyone, but primarily intended for grassroots sports and physical activity clubs / groups / organisations / facilities. You can complete the survey via this link by 19 May: Environmental Sustainability Survey 2023 – please share this far and wide!
The focus groups are primarily intended for National Governing Bodies and “umbrella organisations” (also referred to as system partners / associations / alliances / member organisations). They are also applicable to Local Authorities, and the owners and operators of the places and spaces where physical activity happens, both indoors and outdoors. Sports sector sustainability experts are also welcome. Key stakeholders will be invited to sign up to a focus group through the Humanitix event platform (an innovative event ticketing with booking fees donated to good causes). If you haven’t received an invite and would like to attend, please email kate.b@usefulprojects.co.uk.
Interviews are with a range of key environmental partners and are invite-only.
We are delighted to be partnering with sports sector sustainability experts Dan Reading and Carolyn Hedley to undertake the consultation.
After the consultation has finished, Useful Projects will continue to work with Sport England to develop their strategy for how they can support the grassroots sports and physical activity sector to accelerate environmental sustainability action.
If you have any questions about the consultation, please get in touch. We look forward to sharing the outcomes of this work in due course!
