Among the sea of orange at the Apeldoorn 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships on 6-9 March was a distinct hue of green, with a Sustainability and Legacy plan enacted across the event.
European Athletics and the Local Organising Committee collaborated to set a new benchmark for other athletics events by delivering a set of sustainable practices. These aims were to:
- Minimise the environmental impact of the Apeldoorn 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships
- Foster social and economic legacy for the benefit of the host local and wider community
- Inspire the local and wider community to adopt healthy and active styles through the Athletics for All campaign
- Promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) as a catalyst for sustainable development through sports
Through Apeldoorn 2025, the organisers aimed to reach all participants, team members, staff, volunteers and spectators and encourage them to support a joint ambition and commitment to sustainability by embarking on a journey to reduce their individual carbon footprint.
This plan also aligned with the UNSDGs and policies of the municipality of Province of Gelderland, City of Apeldoorn and the Dutch Venue Association. It covered the following priorities:
Paper Reduction
- Printing on request-only and use of QR codes to signpost people to digital
Single-use plastic reduction
- Water points on site use of water
- Use of non-plastics in catering
- biodegradable cups
- refillable water cartons
Environmental Awareness
- A practical guide for spectators with information about sustainable transport alternatives, safe drinking water, smoke-free environment and recycling.
Waste management
- Recycling bins on site
- Waste to Energy initiative in partnership with Gelderland Region
- Responsible food waste management, complying with “Changing Together in the Hospitality Industry.”
Athletics for All
- Promotional and legacy video and dedicated landing page “Moving People” initiatives for social impact
- Athletes Ambassadors (including para-athletes) visiting schools
- A partnership with Gelderland Sports Federations – providing access to sports and physio professionals
- Develop sports & physical exercise activities in school, hospitals and retirement homes where Member Federation provides Mascot and box with resources (Challenge Box)
- The Daily Mile Activation in schools & mobile tracks
- Engagement of local businesses and promotion of the sport through athletics clinics, vitality workshops and guided tours to learn about athletics
Responsible procurement
- Certification by Dutch Venue Association and Green Key Certification (Competition Venue some official hotel & temporary catering facilities)
- Businesses aligned with sustainability priorities (some official hotels & catering facilities)
Good governance
- Gender representation in the LOC structure
- Diversity in the pool of volunteers
- Safeguarding policy
- DVA standards including health & safety, risk assessment, personnel & training policies, equal treatment & no discrimination against employees, transparency agreements, etc.
