Playing for the Planet!
The socio-economic transformations, the continuous degradation of ecosystems and the climatic changes experienced in the last decades are one of the greatest challenges facing society. Action is needed to promote sustainable development.
In this context, a sustainability strategy has been developed to mitigate its impact on the environment, to stimulate the efficient use of resources and circular economy, to combat climate change and to promote social responsibility and the well-being of all participants. This is based on three fundamental bases:
Based on the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, it is our belief that this strategy is an innovative and disruptive element, helping to build a legacy in the organization and management of these events.
Energy and Water Consumption
EUSA Futsal 2019 is associated with high energy and water consumption, having a strong impact, both economically and environmentally.
To mitigate this, all facilities are equipped with LED lighting systems as well as intelligent energy management systems. At the same time, many of the sites are equipped with solar panels for water heating, which promotes the reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Regarding water management, most faucets and showers have flow reduction systems and timers, encouraging the reduction of the associated water footprint.
Recycling and Waste Management
EUSA Futsal 2019 is allied to very high consumption of resources and the production of large amounts of waste.
As such, ecological principles have been adopted regarding material procurement, opting for organizations that demonstrate environmental concerns and for local suppliers, in order to mitigate the impact associated with goods transportation.
On the other hand, all processes have been structured in order to reduce the consumption of materials, namely paper and plastic. In this context, a reusable bottle will be given to each participant in order to eliminate the consumption of disposable plastic bottles.
At the same time, all the facilities affected by the event are equipped with ecopoints, to encourage recycling and circular economy.
Food and Accommodation
Food production has a tremendous impact on the environment through the greenhouse gases associated with it. On the other hand, a large part of these emissions are related with mobility, namely the athletes' dislocation between their accommodation-sports venues.
Thus, the choice of meals to be given to athletes was such as to include foods that ensure the best nutritional standards and present a reduced carbon footprint.
On the other hand, when choosing the sports venues, accommodation and catering, proximity criteria were defined to reduce the time and distances involved. Also, a specialized public transport service for the event is available to all participants.
Social Responsability
Ethics and fair play are a guiding principle of EUSA Futsal 2019. Its importance is enhanced because the vast majority of participants are young people in the process of professional and personal growth.
Throughout the event there will be a strong emphasis on good sporting practices, promoting the structuring principles and values of this event: equality, respect and solidarity.
In turn, and in order to reach other audiences, there will be an initiative that brings together university athletes and younger children, in order to encourage sports.
The development of thematic events that aim to disseminate the traditions and culture of the University of Minho and the region is also a commitment of the Organization.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Climate change has a strong impact on people's quality of life. In this context, an integrated analysis was developed with the goal of identifying, mapping and quantifying the main sources of these gases – SCOPE 1 and SCOPE 2.
Based on the results obtained, a conversion will be carried out for the equivalent number of trees and, after the event, the respective planting will be carried out. In this way, this championship will become one of the first European University Sport Event to have a virtually zero environmental impact, as far as carbon emissions are concerned.
Communication and Engagement
The implementation of a communication strategy based on the awareness of new behaviors, and the involvement of all stakeholders, plays a crucial role in the sustainability strategies developed since they encourage the dissemination of these policies.
Thus, a communication plan has been defined in order to disseminate and promote, through the different media, the main initiatives and projects associated with this area.
With this, we intend to encourage the involvement of all participants in the pursuit of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.