Olympic rower Imogen Grant (Great Britain), beach volleyball player Lina Taylor (Bulgaria), Swiss Olympic and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) have been honoured with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Climate Action Awards 2024. The awards highlight their efforts to address climate change and make sport a more sustainable environment. Supported by Olympic and Paralympic Games global partner Deloitte, the awards recognise innovative projects by National Olympic Committees (NOCs), International Federations (IFs) and athletes that seek to reduce the environmental impact of sport, inspiring the Olympic Movement to take action for the planet.
The awards were announced during Climate Week NYC, an annual event that brings together business and social leaders to drive action on climate change. IOC President Thomas Bach stressed that “as climate change accelerates, the Olympic Movement is stepping up its efforts to address it. This year’s winners show that we are taking our responsibilities, reducing the impact and encouraging others to take action”.
Deloitte Global CEO Joe Ucuzoglu highlighted the importance of innovation in the fight against climate change: “The path to a more sustainable future will be driven by innovative technologies and creative approaches, and we at Deloitte are proud to support these efforts within the Olympic Movement“. Marie Sallois, IOC Director of Corporate and Sustainable Development, also expressed her “satisfaction” with the commitment shown by the winners.
ATHLETES
Imogen Grant, Great Britain’s Olympic rower, was recognised for her leadership of the Clean Water Sport Alliance, which aims to improve the health and quality of rivers. In addition, at the UK National Training Centre, she has implemented measures such as composting and plastic recycling. As a Rivers Trust ambassador, she has conducted over 2,400 river surveys and mobilised 9,000 people in the Big River Watch campaign. Imogen commented that “sport is a collective effort, as is sustainability. I thank those who have supported me in using my voice beyond sport and hope to continue to inspire others to take action”.
Lina Taylor, a former Bulgarian Olympic beach volleyball player and scientist, was also recognised for her work with her non-profit organisation Climate Executive Coaching, which drives science-based climate education and international collaboration. Lina has worked with more than 2,000 people in 30 countries, helping to accelerate climate action.
NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE CATEGORY
Swiss Olympic has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 66% in 2023 compared to the previous year, thanks to increased use of trains instead of planes for Games-related travel. In addition, its Climate Fund supports carbon reduction projects in Switzerland, such as the financing of a heat pump system at a swimming pool in Frauenfeld and the purchase of an electric bus for visually impaired athletes.
Swiss Olympic CEO Roger Schnegg acknowledged his “excitement to receive this award, which confirms that we are on the right track with our innovative climate fund”.
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION CATEGORY
The International Hockey Federation was awarded for its innovative dry turf (‘dry surf’) technology, which has led to a 60% reduction in water use since 2012. The technology, used at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has also been part of its comprehensive carbon reduction plan, which includes the first carbon-zero artificial turf and a global reforestation programme.
IHF President Tayyab Ikram said they were “honoured to receive this recognition from the IOC for our efforts. Sport has a crucial role to play in building a better future, and we are committed to protecting the environment.”’
MENTIONS ‘HIGHLY COMMENDED’
The Mauritius Olympic Committee developed a comprehensive plan to reduce its carbon footprint, achieving a 40% reduction by 2023. Among its initiatives is the design of a bioclimatic gymnasium and the promotion of the use of glass bottles instead of plastic.
The International Biathlon Union has worked with televisions to measure the carbon footprint of its event emissions, pioneering this area in sport. This action is part of its strategy to reduce the climate impact of its events.
The IOC Climate Action Awards 2024 show the Olympic Movement’s commitment to a more sustainable future, encouraging others to join this urgent cause.
