World Sailing gets sustainability review

World Sailing published its first annual Sustainability Report which assessed the 56 targets of the federation’s Sustainability Agenda 2030. The review covers operations within the organization, events, training, and stakeholder engagement across class associations, manufacturers, and organizing committees.

Designed to set the baseline for annual updates, the Sustainability Report recognizes that while there has been progress in several areas, there is still more work to be done to meet the targets set. World Sailing launched its Sustainability Agenda 2030 in 2017.

“At World Sailing, we represent a global community of sailors who play their sport and often live their lives on the frontline of climate change. As such we have duty to lead the way in setting standards for sustainability,” noted Alexandra Rickham, World Sailing’s Director of Sustainability.

“The review has been three years in the making and charts our journey over this period set against our longer-term targets. What is clear is that 2023 was our first fully operational year since 2020 and as such it is the most accurate year for all future reports to be judged against.

“Overall, there has been excellent progress across the sport, and I thank everyone at World Sailing, as well as our partners and stakeholders for their diligence and innovation, as well as for showing a willingness to join us on the mission to achieve the targets in all five areas of the sport.

“A lot has been achieved, but more hard work is needed, and at World Sailing we remain focused on delivering against the targets in Sustainability Agenda 2030. However, we also need others in sailing and the wider sector to do their bit and I hope the Sustainability Report will encourage everyone to take action.”

The major highlights of 2023 include a 67% saving in energy emissions at the World Sailing Championships by adopting HVO fuel, a 26% reduction in the carbon footprint of World Sailing staff attending the World Sailing Championships in The Hague.

Targets in the Technical, Events, and Members operational areas were prioritized in 2023, meaning that there is further work required in Training, Venues and Facilities and Participation to meet the goals of Sustainability Agenda 2030.

To read the Sustainability Report, click here.

Source: World Sailing