SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In the summer of 2024, Germany will host one of the most anticipated sporting events – the European Football Championship. While the tournament will attract football fans from across Europe, the organizers have set even more ambitious goals beyond the games: they aim to set new benchmarks in sustainability, strengthen social cohesion, and promote a positive global image of Germany as the host nation.
Amid all the sportsmanship and ball skills, and with incredible respect for so much performance at all levels, what impresses us at AVIAIR is the idea of not just treating sustainability as a trendy product of the zeitgeist, but making it a central player in EURO 2024. AVIAIR had the opportunity, with its in-house special supplement “European Summer of Football 2024,” to take a closer look at some service facilities and speak with the people there. We are impressed by the competence and motivation we encountered, especially regarding the tournament's sustainability. The motto “United by Football – Gemeinsam für die Natur” encapsulates this vision and aims to combine the universal appeal of football with urgent environmental and social priorities.
THE CORE CONCEPT OF EURO 2024: ESG STRATEGY EXPLAINED
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) ARE THE THREE PILLARS FORMING THE FOUNDATION OF THE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY FOR THE EURO 2024. HERE IS A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF WHAT IT ENTAILS:
Environment: This pillar focuses on minimizing the ecological footprint of the tournament. Initiatives include significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improved waste management protocols, and the promotion of sustainable transport options. The organizers are committed to integrating effective climate protection strategies into the planning and execution of the event.
Social: EURO 2024 promotes diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of all participants and spectators. Accessibility and anti-discrimination are at the forefront to ensure that everyone, regardless of abilities or background, can enjoy the event. The social initiatives also extend to promoting health through active living and offering sustainable food options during the tournament.
Governance: Transparency, ethical management, and accountability are the standards for this pillar. The event organization will adhere to strict governance standards to ensure that all operations are fair and ethically sound. This includes responsible procurement and comprehensive staff training on sustainability practices.
STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONCEPT
The tournament aims to be a pioneer in the sustainability of major events. This includes detailed plans by UEFA to minimize and offset environmental impacts where necessary. A significant portion of the estimated emissions is expected to come from the transportation of people and goods. In response, there will be a focus on sustainable mobility solutions, including improved rail connections between venues and attractive bike rental options to promote eco-friendly travel to stadiums and fan zones. High summer temperatures will be met with an increased number of drinking fountains and, where possible, greywater systems will be used to save water. The social pillar of the championship focuses on using the tournament as a platform to address important social issues such as diversity, inclusion, and human rights. Efforts include ensuring accessibility in all stadiums and fan zones and improving the overall experience for all participants, regardless of physical abilities. The tournament will actively promote these values through various initiatives, making it a fully inclusive event. In terms of governance, EURO 2024 commits to reducing resource consumption and waste. This includes training staff on sustainable event management and prioritizing digital solutions over physical procurement whenever possible. All purchasing decisions will be sustainable, considering the lifecycle and potential reuse of products. Additionally, all matches will be held in existing stadiums, avoiding the need for new construction and significantly reducing the event’s environmental impact.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND HEALTH PROMOTION
The European Football Championship is not only a celebration of sport but also an opportunity to promote healthy and active lifestyles. There will be a variety of activities to encourage the public to engage in physical exercise and raise awareness about healthy living. This commitment also extends to offering a variety of healthy, sustainable food options during the event, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet for overall well-being.
UNITED BY FOOTBALL – GEMEINSAM FÜR DIE NATUR.
A VISION FOR FUTURE SPORTS EVENTS
At AVIAIR, we have the impression that EURO 2024, equipped with comprehensive ESG strategies, is ready to redefine what it means to host a major sporting event. Through its innovative approach to environmental awareness, social responsibility, and ethical governance, the tournament will leave a lasting positive impact not only on the field but also in social and ecological progress. With this, UEFA is proactively ensuring that the legacy of the 2024 European Championship will influence the organization of future sports events and set new standards for hosting large events in line with global sustainability and human rights goals.
