– To work in a sustainable way is so much more than recycling and waste management – it is about making things last and making them better, more efficient and thus creating a better financial situation, explained Karin Grute Movin, who was project manager for the European Junior Championships in Eskilstuna in 2015 which won two international awards for sustainability.
When it comes to events, there is a lot to think about, for example transport – travel by bus and not car, electricity and heating – use green energy, use tap water instead of bottled water. Provide vegetarian dishes and, not least, to think digitally and avoid printing more copies of documents than you really need.
– In a nutshell, choose a way which least affects the environment.
Sustainability also means working in a more equal and inclusive way.
Everyone should feel welcome, spectators as well as those within the organisation.
”We want to inspire others”
BAUHAUS-galan wants to be at the forefront of Swedish sports events and lead the way for more sustainable events. And to do this by communicating and inspiring other competition organisers, participants and the public to have a more sustainable lifestyle.
– We want to inspire visitors and get more people to choose sustainability. When I was project manager for the EJC in Eskilstuna, our sustainable working methods led to a better overall organisation of the event. We chose local suppliers, developed partnerships and strengthened the economy.
Everyone need to be educated
Stockholm City’s goal is to be the leading sustainable event city in Sweden and that is what BAUHAUS-galan has been inspired to work towards. In February the competition management group took part in a course on sustainability which was led by Karin Grute Movin and included a presentation and work shop. Participants came away with a certificate.
– I was really positively surprised! It felt as if the whole group went along with it and understood that working sustainably can improve BAUHAUS-galan on so many levels.
Many believe that it’s all about meeting requirements but sustainability has a lot to do with seeing possibilities, inspiration and finding solutions, added Karin.
Certification within one year
BAUHAUS-galan’s aim to be certified by 2019.
– According to the environmental body ’svensk miljöbas’ we could be certified this year but we want to do this thoroughly and we’d prefer to wait until 2019. Eventually we’d like to inspire other Diamond League meetings to achieve certification, concluded Karin.
Jonas Hedman
