A few hours ago, the International Skating Union (ISU) launched its Sustainability Guidelines, an innovative set of tools designed to integrate responsible practices into the organization of its competitions. These guidelines are part of its Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy and the ambitious ISU Vision 2030 plan, which aims to transform its events into examples of conscious and sustainable management.

The main goal of these guidelines is to provide a clear and structured approach for organizers, skaters, and other stakeholders. With detailed checklists, they cover social, economic, and environmental aspects to ensure a positive impact on the more than 45 annual ISU competitions, including disciplines such as figure skating, synchronized skating, and speed skating.

STRATEGIC IMPACT AREAS

The ISU’s guidelines highlight four key pillars to integrate sustainability into its events. On one hand, there is a focus on transforming ice rinks through technological innovations that improve energy efficiency, optimize water use, and reduce emissions. These improvements extend to the logistics and design of the events, promoting practices such as recycling, material reuse, and waste minimization, in order to move toward a circular economy and a smaller carbon footprint.

On the other hand, the conservation of the natural environment and the strengthening of community are central objectives. The ISU encourages respect for local ecosystems through sustainable resource management and decorative elements. It also prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and athlete well-being, ensuring fair and ethical conditions in its competitions. These actions reaffirm the ISU’s commitment to sustainability and the positive impact of sport on the environment and society.

A SUSTAINABLE VISION FOR THE FUTURE

With these new guidelines, the ISU strengthens its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental protection. This approach aims not only to transform its events into sustainability models but also to motivate the entire ice skating community to adopt more responsible and environmentally conscious practices.

By leading these initiatives, the ISU sets a precedent in sport, demonstrating that it is possible to combine competitive excellence with environmental care. With these actions, it promotes a future where sustainability is an integral part of ice skating and a driver of positive global change.