Trends in Sustainability Reporting in Sports (3/4)

Screen grab from FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2021 Oberstdorf/Allgäu

Eye catchers

Here’s an overview of some reports that have been published within the past year that have caught my attention.

FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2021 Oberstdorf/Allgäu

The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2021 Oberstdorf/Allgäu report marks a significant stride in sustainability reporting within the realm of winter sports events. Spanning 24 pages, the report outlines a comprehensive sustainability strategy with guidelines, fields of action, and initial implementation measures. Its focus on six main actions for a sustainable World Championships provides a structured approach towards sustainability initiatives.

Each action is introduced within the context of winter sports and the World Championships, emphasising the necessity of sustainable practices. The report then delves into facts and insights into individual activities undertaken to realise these actions. Notably, the report effectively highlights the relevance of sustainability in the context of winter sports, acknowledging the energy requirements for sporting venues, temporary structures, and technical snowmaking.

Moreover, the report is commendable for its design, incorporating descriptive images that enhance comprehension and engagement. However, while it offers a robust conclusion, there appears to be a lack of clarity regarding previous or subsequent reports, which could provide valuable insights into the evolution of sustainability efforts over time.

European Championships Munich 2022 Pre-Event Report (November 2021)

The Pre-Event Report for the European Championships Munich 2022 stands out for its comprehensive yet concise presentation of sustainability initiatives. Structured with forewords from senior management, an introduction outlining mission, vision, and values, and a focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, the report provides a holistic view of sustainability endeavors.

Notably, the appendix serves as a valuable resource, offering an index of focus areas accompanied by corresponding objectives, activities, planning status, page references, relevant indicators, and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This well-designed table encapsulates key information for stakeholders seeking detailed insights into sustainability efforts.

Aspen Skiing Company

The 2021 sustainability report by the Aspen Skiing Company offers a unique approach characterised by its readability and unconventional style. Utilising QR codes to access initiatives illustrated by images with accompanying snippets of information, the report ensures accessibility and engagement.

Structured around case studies categorised by ten actionable tips, the report provides practical insights into sustainability practices. While lacking extensive data, the inclusion of CO2 emissions details from the past three years adds transparency to environmental impacts. Notably, the informal and quirky writing style, exemplified by the CFO’s song lyrics, adds a distinctive charm to the report!

IOC Sustainability Report 2021

Despite its concise nature, the IOC Sustainability Report 2021 serves as a functional update on progress since the previous report. While not ground-breaking in innovation or design, the report effectively communicates key points through an executive summary on the IOC website.

Utilising colours and text to denote progress on targets set in 2017, the report adopts a structured approach, categorising impacts into dimensions: the IOC as an organisation, owner of the Olympic Games, and leader of the Olympic Movement. This framework acknowledges the IOC’s control over its impact, enhancing accountability and transparency.

Formula E Sustainability Report Season 7 

The Formula E Sustainability Report for Season 7 offers a detailed overview of achievements and progress across strategic pillars. Spanning 44 pages, the report employs hyperlinked chapter headings for easy navigation and incorporates imagery effectively to complement textual content.

While highlighting key achievements, the report lacks comprehensive information on challenges faced, particularly in the social progress section. Addressing these challenges could further enhance the report’s transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, these eye-catching sustainability reports underscore the growing emphasis on transparency, accountability, and innovation within the realm of sports sustainability. By highlighting achievements, challenges, and future outlooks, these reports pave the way for continued progress towards sustainable sporting practices.