Giving sustainable sports initiatives a path forward

On 11 September, ACR+ joined over 200 practitioners, experts, and stakeholders in Brussels for the SHARE 2.0 Annual Conference, organised by the European Commission’s sport unit under DG EAC. The conference focused on advancing sustainable sports, with participants engaging in discussions on how the European sports sector can contribute to the EU’s Green Deal objectives. ACR+ was part of the Community on Sustainable and Green Sports, which played a key role in the day’s discussions. The event provided a platform to exchange views on how sports, both professional and grassroots, can adopt more sustainable practices, manage facilities responsibly, and implement policy areas addressed by the Green Deal. 

Workshops during the conference explored the need for comprehensive frameworks—such as toolkits or charters—to help sports organisations, venue owners, and event organisers navigate their sustainability journey. Special attention was given to the role of local authorities, who own much of the infrastructure used by grassroots organisations. Participants emphasised that a more overarching framework is necessary for sports to fully reinforce the implementation of the Green Deal, encompassing areas like building and renovation, the Farm to Fork strategy, and other key policy areas. The event concluded with a call to align sports initiatives with broader EU sustainability goals, reinforcing the sector’s role in supporting the Green Deal’s ambitions.