Australia shoots for most sustainable Women's Basketball World Cup

The event will consider not just its environmental impact, but its social implications too.

The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 is coming to Australia, and a team is hard at work behind the scenes to ensure it’s the most sustainable event yet.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the World Cup, with the backing of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and supported by the federal government, will put together a sustainability program to govern the running of the World Cup from 22 September and 1 October.

The LOC is committed to initiatives that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and guided by the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework. Its three focus areas for the World Cup are:

• Reducing environmental impact – this will incorporate encouraging spectators to use public transport, offset opportunities for travel and ticket emissions, and recycling and waste at the venues.
• Responsible sourcing – using local suppliers if possible, using products made of recyclable materials and supporting suppliers who source responsibly.
• Inspire and educate – engaging with participants, stakeholders and fans on the importance of sustainability, and creating a legacy program that will empower women and girls.

Crucially, the LOC will also create a sustainability blueprint for future events, cementing its legacy for years to come. This blueprint will be available for use in any large events, whether they be charitable, musical, cultural or sporting.

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 chief executive Melissa King told Pro Bono News the event was an opportunity to consider its impact on the environment and community, with the sustainability activities it is undertaking fitting well with the event’s values.

“There’s been quite a bit of planning involved in really thinking about creating, and striving to deliver, the most sustainable women’s World Cup since its inception. The other part of it too, is creating a legacy, so we’re also developing a blueprint framework for future major and mega events that will be available open-source,” she explained.

“There is a focus on running sustainable events or thinking about carbon neutrality, and we hope that this framework provides an overview to help the thinking and planning, but also… encourages others to get on the bandwagon, so to speak.”

Organisers are looking to make sure the event has clear pathways for attendees to take small actions that would make a difference for the environment – even if that is as simple as taking public transport, or making a contribution to offset their emissions when buying a ticket.

They have also considered the impact of previous events in Australia including the Olympic Games, as well as resources from Climate Active, she added.

A carbon neutral event is not guaranteed, but King said just because it couldn’t be achieved didn’t mean the organisation should rest on its laurels.

“It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do something. That’s what our philosophy is. We have estimated our carbon emissions and we will invest in offsets to the best of our ability to reduce our carbon footprint,” she explained.

“That’s one of the key messages: that we can all make a contribution. And even if you can’t do 100 per cent, the more we try to do the best that we can do, the better it’s going to be for our environment.”

For the LOC, King said sustainability is about more than just the environment; it’s about social impact too. For that reason, the event will employ a “diverse and inclusive staff and volunteer program”, she said.

With so many female athletes descending on Australia for the World Cup, King said the event would also be a positive opportunity for representation in sport.

“That too has a real social impact, because you’re seeing women in these positions and understanding their journey. You can’t be what you can’t see,” she said.