UK Sport, the government agency responsible for investing in Olympic and Paralympic sport in the UK, published their Sustainability Strategy in 2023 which committed to supporting the organisations that it funds to have a sustainability action plan and carbon footprint by March 2025.
To deliver this, together with our partners Sporting Giants, we have been appointed to lead an 18-month ‘Sustainability Accelerator Programme’, the first of its kind.
Accelerating action and innovation
The Programme will be supporting c.40 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to calculate their carbon footprint and develop Environmental Sustainability Action Plans, build capacity, and help accelerate action and innovation. The NGBs span indoor and outdoor Olympic and Paralympic Sports; from British Rowing and Gymnastics to GB Wheelchair Rugby and British Surfing.
Through the project, we will be delivering several NGB ‘masterclasses’ as well as creating legacy assets and approaches that can be shared with the wider Sports sector.
Carbon is a key focus, but we are also looking at opportunities in the circular economy, supply chain, biodiversity, and climate resilience. In addition, we will be seeking opportunities to identify how NGBs’ can connect environmental and social agendas.
By positioning environmental sustainability and purpose as a revenue generator, not a cost centre, we hope to help these NGBs deliver greater impact.
