IOC reveals Climate Action Awards 2024 winners

Supported by global consulting and advisory firm Deloitte, the IOC Climate Action Awards reward innovative projects from National Olympic Committees (NOCs), International Federations (IFs) and athletes.

British rower Imogen Grant has been rewarded for her collaboration in launching the Clean Water Sport Alliance to improve river health and water quality. Additionally, as part of the UK National Training Centre sustainability group, Grant has helped to introduce measures such as composting food waste, recycling plastics, and the regular testing of water quality at the national training centre in the English village of Caversham.

Grant is also an ambassador for the Rivers Trust.

“Sport is such a team effort, and so is sustainability. I am so grateful to the amazing people and organisations who have helped me speak up and use my athlete’s voice for more than just sport. I hope to continue inspiring others to take action, both on and off the field of play,” said Grant.

Bulgaria’s Lina Taylor has also been recognised for her efforts. The volleyball player has a background in science, and has utilised this to accelerate climate action through education, professional coaching and collaboration with the Bulgarian Government, corporations and non-governmental organisations.

In just two years, Taylor has worked with more than 2,000 people in 30 different countries across 60 organisations.

Within the NOC category, Swiss Olympic has been rewarded for its efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, the organisation reduced its emissions by 66% compared to 2022, which is largely attributed to taking trains over aeroplanes for Games-related travel in Europe.

Elsewhere, Swiss Olympic has provided funds to its national federations, and their clubs and partner organisations, to support their own carbon-reduction efforts.

Rounding up the winners, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has been celebrated for its actions to reduce water usage by an estimated 60% since 2012 through the development of ‘Dry Turf’ technology.

This innovation has helped to reduce the level of water required for elite hockey pitches, and has already led to a 40% reduction in water usage between London 2012 and Tokyo 2020. It is estimated that the technology helped to reduce water usage by a further 20% for Paris 2024.

“We are extremely honoured and grateful to receive this very high distinction from the International Olympic Committee for the efforts to reduce the impact on the environment generated by the practice of our sport,” commented FIH President Tayyab Ikram.

“Sport has a major role to play in building a better future for society and this includes protecting the environment. We are determined to be an important stakeholder in this area.”

In addition to the four winners, the Mauritius National Olympic Committee and the International Biathlon Union (IBU) have been recognised in the ‘Highly Commended’ category for their efforts to reduce emissions.

The Mauritius NOC has been highlighted for its comprehensive carbon footprint reduction plan, and has already achieved a 40% drop in 2023 compared to a 2022 baseline. The IBU has been recognised for working with television broadcasters in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union to measure their carbon footprint during the 2023-24 World Cup season. The IBU is the first Olympic IF that has looked at systemically reducing the emissions attributed to broadcasting for its major events.

The winners were picked from 15 finalists that were announced during the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.

Image: Iain Kennedy on Unsplash