Integrating Environmental and Social Sustainability in Sports

When we think of sustainability in the world of sports, the first things that often come to mind are environmental issues: waste reduction, energy use, carbon footprints, and the like. These are important, and the shift towards a greener future is a necessary one. But as we push for better environmental performance, we can’t ignore the fact that sustainability isn’t just about the planet – it’s also about people.

The concept of social sustainability has risen alongside environmental priorities, yet the two often remain in separate silos. While environmental sustainability focuses on reducing negative impacts on the environment, social sustainability is concerned with improving the well-being of individuals, communities, and society at large. For sports organisations to create truly sustainable events, both of these dimensions must work in tandem, not apart.

The Traditional Focus on Environmental Sustainability in Sports Events

Sustainability in sports events is often dominated by environmental concerns. Whether it’s reducing waste, conserving water, or cutting down on energy use, these initiatives have rightly taken centre stage in the sustainability conversation. For example, sports bodies are increasingly working to understand and mitigate the environmental impacts of their operations.

However, as regulations around sustainability tighten and the focus on transparency grows, sports organisations are recognising the need for a broader approach. The European Union’s Green Deal and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are pushing for clear, actionable data on carbon footprints and other environmental measures. While this is a huge leap forward, it’s also time to acknowledge the growing importance of the social side of sustainability.

Social Sustainability: More Than Just a Buzzword

Social sustainability has gained significant traction over the years, but it often gets overshadowed by the pressing environmental concerns. Yet, aspects like mental health, community inclusion, gender equity, and accessibility play a crucial role in creating sustainable sports events.

For example, the mental health of athletes is becoming an increasingly important issue. As organisations like World Taekwondo have discovered, elite athletes are often under immense pressure, leading to stress, anxiety, and even disordered eating. While environmental measures are important, how we care for the people at the heart of sports is just as critical. This isn’t just about athletes – it’s about the communities around them, including volunteers, staff, and spectators.

Equally important is gender equity. A sustainable event doesn’t only measure its carbon footprint – it also looks at who is involved in the event, how they are represented, and whether they have equal access to opportunities. Many sports are making strides in creating more inclusive environments, but this is an ongoing journey.

Environmental and Social Sustainability: An Intertwined Relationship

The line between environmental and social sustainability isn’t always clear, but that’s where the magic happens. Take the issue of transportation, for instance. We can’t ignore that reducing emissions from travel is one of the biggest challenges for sports events. But how do we balance reducing travel emissions with ensuring accessibility for people from diverse backgrounds and locations? Can we reduce the carbon footprint of an event while making sure that athletes from remote areas or marginalised communities can still compete?

This is where the dual focus on environmental and social sustainability can work together. Reducing travel may lower emissions, but it might also restrict access for certain communities. To make the most meaningful impact, sports organisations must find ways to mitigate environmental harm while also fostering inclusion. It’s a balancing act, but one that can lead to more positive long-term outcomes.

Real-World Examples: When Environmental and Social Sustainability Meet

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) offers an example of how sports organisations can start to integrate both environmental and social concerns. In winter sports, where snow production and water management are critical issues, IBU faces challenges that others may not. With the impact of snow guns and salting, they must consider both the environmental consequences and the social implications of their practices.

Similarly, World Taekwondo is working hard to address both environmental sustainability and the mental health of its athletes. Though the sport itself doesn’t inherently engage with nature, there’s a growing recognition that improving the well-being of athletes and encouraging a connection with nature could reduce stress and improve overall performance. In this way, the social and environmental aspects aren’t just aligned – they are deeply intertwined.

Bridging the Gap: The Challenges Ahead

Despite the growing recognition of the need for integration, there are still significant challenges in merging these two dimensions of sustainability. For one, data collection remains a tricky area. While gathering environmental data, such as carbon emissions or waste metrics, is increasingly standardised, social data can be more difficult to capture. Are we measuring inclusivity correctly? How do we track progress in mental health and athlete well-being?

There’s also the challenge of buy-in from stakeholders. While senior decision-makers may be more willing to invest in environmental sustainability because of the long-term cost savings, the social side of sustainability can be harder to quantify. Why invest in community engagement or mental health initiatives when the financial benefits aren’t immediately obvious?

But the tide is turning. The push from fans, sponsors, and even regulatory bodies is encouraging organisations to take a more holistic view of sustainability. As we look to the future, we need to move beyond seeing environmental and social sustainability as separate entities. They must be integrated into the fabric of every event, every organisation, and every strategy.

The Future of Sustainability in Sport: A Holistic Approach

Looking ahead, sports organisations must shift their focus from viewing sustainability as a series of isolated targets to understanding it as an integrated system. By combining both environmental and social sustainability goals, sports events can not only reduce their negative impact on the planet but also leave a positive legacy for future generations.

This integrated approach doesn’t just make sense from an environmental or social perspective – it makes business sense too. As sports organisations face mounting pressure from fans, sponsors, and regulators, adopting a more comprehensive sustainability strategy will set them apart and ensure long-term success.

By measuring both environmental and social factors, organisations can create a more balanced approach that truly reflects the core values of sustainability: equity, efficiency, and stewardship.

Conclusion

As the landscape of sustainability in sport continues to evolve, we must acknowledge that environmental and social sustainability are not standalone efforts – they are two sides of the same coin. For sports organisations to truly thrive in a sustainable future, they must find ways to bridge this gap, integrating both dimensions into their event planning and long-term strategies.

The future of sports sustainability is about more than just reducing carbon footprints – it’s about creating a better experience for athletes, fans, and communities alike. By bringing together the best of both worlds, we can make the world of sport a more sustainable and inclusive place for everyone.