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Top storyCollaboration is key for sustainable sport in frontrunner Denmark
Denmark is set to provide the backdrop for the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship and the 2025 Men’s Handball World Championship, and is placing sustainability at the forefront of hosting major sporting events.
Sport Event Denmark is the country’s national organisation dedicated to attracting and hosting major international sports events. It works closely with national sports federations, municipalities, and venues to successfully promote Denmark as a top destination for sporting events. Sport Event Denmark will also work with vocational programme EuroSkills and venue MCH Messecenter Herning as part of the collaboration.
The Danish approach to sustainability integrates these factors to ensure seamless and conscious event execution. The cross-event collaboration will see key sustainability initiatives and practices implemented including waste reduction, circular economy strategies, responsible food sourcing, and an inclusive volunteering programme.
This approach has seen locally sourced materials used to construct team dressing rooms, in partnership with local organisations, while inclusive volunteer roles have encouraged involvement from those with disabilities.
Denmark is often considered one of the most sustainable countries in the world, and Sport Event Denmark utilises the power of sport to continue building its reputation.
“True change takes time, continuous effort, and a willingness to learn."
The coordinated effort will be supported by an interdisciplinary workshop at Jyske Bank Boxen arena. Representatives from each event’s sustainability teams, alongside MCH and Sustainable Herning have been collaborating to develop best practices and shared protocols that focus on environmental responsibility.
“From reducing single-use plastics to encouraging waste sorting among fans, we’re making strides toward a greener approach in sporting events. However, it’s a collective effort; all of us – from fans and sponsors to venues and associations – need to commit to sustainability,” Lars Lundov, Chief Executive of Sport Event Denmark, told Global Sustainable Sport.
“True change takes time, continuous effort, and a willingness to learn. When staging major, international sporting events together with national federations and host cities, we’re focusing on how these small, strategic steps can collectively create a more sustainable future for sports.”
Image: Nick Karvounis on Unsplash