FISU, with the assistance of consultancy group The SHIFT, has set in motion its goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.
Following the signature of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework in June, FISU took the next step towards reaching its objective by initiating a full survey of its activities’ carbon footprint.
The session brought together all of FISU staff to discuss the topics of sustainability and ecology within the framework of an international organisation, and acted as a catalyst to create a list of all aspects where FISU can track and improve its carbon footprint.
“The SHIFT is pleased to support FISU in measuring and reducing the environmental footprint of the FISU headquarters in Lausanne in order to strengthen its role as leader in the university sports,” said Geert Hendriks, Co-Founder and Chief Engagement Officer at The SHIFT.
A funding from the regional government – the Canton de Vaud – was granted to help implement this transition.
“We are thankful to the local government for their support in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint”, said FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond. “We are the first sport federation in the region to have successfully received this funding, which is a notable feat given the number of international sports federations that are based in the area.”
Lausanne is home to more than 56 international sports federations and organisations, including the International Olympic Committee.
“Faced with the current energy, climate and societal challenges, the social and environmental responsibility of all organisations is now being challenged”, said Mathias Paquier, lead for sustainable economy at the Service of Economic and Innovative Promotion (SPEI) of the Canton of Vaud. “The aim of the Vaud sustainable economy support fund is to accompany managers in this evolution, in particular by encouraging them to initiate steps towards sustainability. The financial aid to support sustainability mandates makes it possible to co-finance the carrying out of a diagnosis, the definition of a strategy as well as the development of a concrete action plan within the supported organisations. The Service of Economic and Innovative Promotion of the Canton of Vaud congratulates FISU for its approach and is delighted to be able to support it, hoping that other actors in the sports and/or academic fields will follow this example.”
FISU will need to submit its report to the UN Climate Change by the end of the year, after which it will begin implementing operational changes to meet its sustainability objectives over the coming years.
In addition to prioritising Legacy and Sustainability as a key focus area in its global strategy since 2021, sustainability and ecological awareness is already very present in FISU’s activities. Notably through the bidding process where it encourages the renovation and reuse of existing venues, rather than the construction of new facilities. It also wishes to raise awareness through it’s education activities, such as the “Save Winter” world conference organised by the Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games organising committee.