Organisers endeavoured to engage and secure buy-in from service providers, from emergency medical services, waste and cleaning crews through to the venue operations team. All clothing, hats and bags used by support crew and for sale as official merchandise were locally produced. 

Elsewhere, venues implemented technology such as efficient appliances, lighting, taps and toilets to help cut down water and energy usage. The tournament also added multi-bin recycling stations to separate waste, with the goal of diverting at least 80% from landfill. More than 400 volunteers, official and support staff were trained to help encourage waste separation.

Tournament Director Priscilla Masisi said: “A full carbon footprint and impact report is being produced for the first time in the history of the event, including details of the longer-term legacy projects.

“This is a complex and dynamic event encompassing a broad scope of activities involving multiple stakeholders. We want to thank the Local Organising Committee for providing executive support, and all our partners, service providers, support crews and participants for playing their part in the effort to host a low-carbon tournament, which included a wide range of associated social impact projects.

“The #pivot4planet campaign has captured the netball community’s attention, and we hope NWC2023 marks an increased sense of responsibility to international netball tournaments.”

Image: Tobias Reich on Unsplash