Sustainability on Ice: ISU’s Comprehensive Plan for Eco-Friendly Sports

The International Skating Union (ISU) has introduced a comprehensive Sustainability Guideline framework as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. This step-by-step approach ensures environmental responsibility, community engagement, and operational efficiency worldwide across its 45 annual skating events. These guidelines are a practical tool to tackle ice sports’ environmental and social challenges, ensuring their longevity while addressing climate concerns and promoting social equity.

The Urgent Need for Change in Ice Sports

Ice skating is inherently tied to its environment, relying on natural and artificial ice. However, outdoor rinks are increasingly at risk due to shorter winter seasons, and indoor facilities face criticism for their high energy and water consumption. A baseline study by the ISU found that ice rinks accounted for 25% of emissions during the 2018-2019 season, with transportation contributing an additional 67%, primarily from flights.

These challenges underscore the urgency for transformative action. The ISU has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, aiming to reduce its environmental impact while supporting global skating communities. The new guidelines focus on practical solutions to address these issues and integrate sustainability into every aspect of event management.

Four Pillars of Sustainable Ice Sports

The Sustainability Guidelines are structured around four strategic priorities, each targeting a critical area of impact:

• Ice Rinks: Ice rinks are among the most significant contributors to the sport’s carbon footprint. The guidelines encourage:
  • Adoption of energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting and advanced refrigeration systems.
  • Use of renewable energy sources to power facilities.
  • Water conservation measures such as optimized ice resurfacing and recycling systems.

These strategies reduce emissions and lower operational costs, making skating facilities more sustainable and financially viable.

• Carbon and Circularity: Addressing waste and emissions is a key focus. The ISU advocates for:
  • Eliminating single-use plastics and adopting the “5 Rs” framework: Refuse, Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Recycle.
  • Promoting sustainable catering options, emphasizing local, seasonal, and plant-based foods.
  • Reducing transportation emissions by prioritizing low-carbon travel options for participants and fans.

A notable example is the introduction of sustainability calculators and reporting templates to measure event emissions and waste generation, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.

• Nature Conservation: Skating’s relationship with nature extends beyond ice. The ISU’s guidelines emphasize biodiversity preservation and water stewardship by:
  • Implementing eco-friendly practices in event locations to protect natural habitats.
  • Encouraging event organizers to restore and regenerate local ecosystems affected by event activities.
  • Raising awareness of the role of ice and water in the broader ecological system through educational campaigns.
• Community Engagement: Recognizing the social impact of skating, the guidelines promote:
  • Inclusivity through diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives.
  • Athlete well-being by addressing physical and mental health needs.
  • Community programs to make skating events more inclusive, particularly for underrepresented groups.

Implementation Framework

The ISU has designed its guidelines to be accessible and actionable. A six-stage framework provides a roadmap for integrating sustainability into all phases of event management, from planning to execution and legacy-building. This includes:

• Pre-event planning: Incorporating sustainability metrics into the bidding process and selecting venues that align with environmental goals.
• Event operations: Providing reusable signage, banning single-use plastics, and sourcing sustainable materials for branding and logistics.
• Post-event evaluation: Measuring the environmental and social impact through detailed reports and sharing best practices for future events.

Additionally, the ISU works closely with stakeholders, including ice rink operators, sponsors, and local governments.

5 Eco-Tips

Success Stories and Opportunities

The ISU has already demonstrated the effectiveness of these strategies. For instance, the European Speed Skating Championships in Hamar, Norway, implemented several sustainability measures, significantly reducing waste and energy consumption.

Looking ahead, the ISU aims to expand these practices globally, leveraging partnerships with organizations like the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework to drive innovation and impact. A specific focus is placed on carbon offsets through renewable energy projects and reforestation, as well as insetting measures like energy upgrades at ice rinks​