SEA SUMMIT 2023: EMPOWERING SPORTING ORGANISATIONS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY SUCCESS

This year, the SEA Summit centred around the theme ‘Move your sporting organisation's sustainability strategy off the bench and into action’. Over the course of the event, participants engaged in collaborative discussions, shared their experiences, and gained valuable insights into overcoming challenges and achieving sustainability milestones.

This year's program featured a series of thought-provoking sessions designed to inspire sporting organisations to embrace sustainability and drive positive change. Key topics explored included the adoption of circular economy principles, the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, and the crucial role of procurement decisions in maximising environmental impact. Moreover, attendees had the opportunity to delve into the practical aspects of developing their own environmental sustainability action plan.

Here are our key #SEASummit23 takeaways:

• Make use of your superpower

Sport is key aspect of life. As we observe the effects of climate change at community level all the way to the elite level it is clear we need to safeguard the future of sport. Sport surpasses any other platform to reach, influence and inspire thousands of people.

• Don’t be paralysed by the enormity of the task

Looking at the strides we need to make to ensure the safety of our planet can be overwhelming. Don't be paralysed by the scale and enormity of the work. Look to channel that energy from heaviness to brightness and see the potential for new opportunities. Start somewhere and learn from your mistakes. The important thing is to make a start.

• Harness internal passion

Identify and call on your internal staff members and volunteers to start action and take your first step. Individuals, internal staff and working groups can identify key actions and priorities, represented across all departments. Those delivering the action plan need to be on board and have internal buy-in.

• Talk people's language

Engaging stakeholders and fans in sport can sometimes be a challenge when so much is going on. It is important to find balance and choose the right timing to engage stakeholders. Speak the language of the people and departments you are trying to engage by letting people know why and what is important to them.

• Don't expect a linear journey

Redesigning your organisation, practices and values toward environmental sustainability will be a bumpy road. Taking climate action is an iterative process, and the first year is challenging. Lean into the sport community and the broader SEA community . It's in our DNA as sporting organisations to work as a team, so seek support where you need. Only together can we ride the waves and become resilient.  

• Manage what you measure

It is important to monitor and evaluate hotspots and invest where you can have the biggest impact. A good starting place is to assess your Scope 1-3 emissions and set SMART targets. Focus on what data you can collect and have available. Having a holistic view supports informed decision-making and provides strategic direction.

The SEA Summit 2023 marked a pivotal moment for the sports industry's sustainability journey. By embracing these key takeaways and implementing sustainable practices, we can collectively empower the industry to take action.

-ENDS-

For more information or to organise an interview, please contact seahq@sportsenvironmentalliance.org