IOC Climate Action Awards: Celebrating sustainable Innovations

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the 2024 Climate Action Award winners: Imogen Grant (UK), Lina Taylor (Bulgaria), Swiss Olympic, and the International Hockey Federation for their sustainability efforts in sports. The Mauritius NOC and IBU received "Highly Commended" recognition.

Supported by Deloitte, the IOC Climate Action Awards recognise innovative initiatives from National Olympic Committees (NOCs), International Federations (IFs), and athletes that reduce sports' environmental impact and inspire action within the Olympic Movement.

Alongside the four winners, the Mauritius NOC and the International Biathlon Union (IBU) received “Highly Commended” recognition for their emissions reduction strategies. This announcement was made during Climate Week NYC, an event dedicated to climate change.

“As climate change accelerates, the Olympic Movement is accelerating its efforts to address it,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “This year’s winners of the IOC Climate Action Awards show that the Olympic Movement is taking its responsibilities seriously: reducing our impact while inspiring others to take action."

Bach added, “We congratulate the winners for their innovative and impactful projects that are making the world of sport more sustainable. We hope these efforts inspire others, in sport and beyond, to join the collective effort to address one of the toughest challenges our world is facing today.”

Joe Ucuzoglu, Deloitte Global CEO, emphasised innovation: “The path to a more sustainable future will be driven by innovative technologies and creative approaches, and Deloitte is proud to work with the National Olympic Committees, International Federations, and athletes to support their efforts in furthering sustainable behavior change at scale.”

The four winners were selected from 15 finalists at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Imogen Grant launched the Clean Water Sport Alliance to enhance river health and introduced sustainability measures like composting and recycling at the UK National Training Centre. As a Rivers Trust ambassador, she has contributed to over 2,400 river surveys and inspired over 9,000 participants in water-testing campaigns, including September's “Big River Watch.” Grant also raises awareness about sustainability among athletes.

“Sport is such a team effort, and so is sustainability," the rower said. "I am so grateful to the amazing people and organisations who have helped me speak up and use my athlete's voice for more than just sport. I hope to continue inspiring others to take action, both on and off the field of play.”

Taylor combines her scientific background, Olympian experience, and coaching skills to tackle climate change. Through her non-profit, Climate Executive Coaching, she promotes climate education and collaborates with professionals from various sectors. In two years, she has worked with over 2,000 individuals across 30 countries. Taylor also coaches fellow athletes and NOCs on climate solutions.

“The journey to becoming an Olympian taught me that challenges are the very catalysts that push us toward greatness," Taylor said. "Today, as we face the greatest challenge of all, the climate crisis, this lesson feels more urgent than ever. Solving it will require each of us, in our unique roles, to make decisions through the lens of sustainability and contribute our part to the solution. I am grateful to the IOC and Deloitte for creating a platform that champions strong leadership and collaboration.”

Swiss Olympic reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 66 percent in 2023 by opting for train travel over flights for Games-related journeys in Europe. Through the “Swiss Olympic Climate Fund,” the NOC finances projects like a heat pump system for an aging swimming pool, potentially saving 500 tons of CO2 annually. They aim to support 100 more projects for long-term emission reductions across Swiss sports.

“We are thrilled to receive the IOC Climate Action Award," stated Roger Schnegg, CEO Swiss Olympic. "It shows us that we chose the right path with our innovative Swiss Olympic Climate Fund and hope to inspire other sports organisations to take action against climate change.”

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has reduced water usage by about 60 percent since 2012 with its “Dry Turf” technology, which minimises water needs for hockey pitches. This innovation achieved a 40 percent reduction from London 2012 to Tokyo 2020, with another 20 percent expected for Paris 2024. The FIH plans to replace around 2,000 water-based pitches with dry turfs, potentially saving 7.6 billion liters of water annually, and is exploring “self-wetting balls” for high-level play on dry turf.

“We are extremely honoured and grateful to receive this very high distinction from the International Olympic Committee for the efforts to reduce the impact on the environment generated by the practice of our sport," said Tayyab Ikram, FIH President. "Sport has a major role to play in building a better future for society, and this includes protecting the environment. We are determined to be an important stakeholder in this area.”

Two finalists received “Highly Commended” recognition. The Mauritius National Olympic Committee achieved a 40 percent reduction in its carbon footprint in 2023 through a focus on travel and procurement. Initiatives included encouraging 50,000 people to switch from plastic to glass bottles and designing a “bioclimatic gym” with sustainable features.

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) worked with broadcasters and the European Broadcasting Union to assess their carbon footprint during the 2023/24 World Cup season and identify ways to reduce emissions. The IBU is the first Olympic IF to systematically tackle broadcasting emissions, aiming for a 50 percent reduction in climate impact, encompassing member federations, partners, sponsors, media, and fans.