FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Council for Responsible represents US and global sporting events at the
UNFCCC Dialogue on Sport and Climate Action in Bonn, Germany
Participation recognizes role of Council and a network of certified events
in helping shape an increasingly responsible future for sports events
Eugene, OR (Nov. 6, 2017) - The Council for Responsible Sport, the world's
leading independent certification body of sustainably produced sporting
events participated in last week's United Nation's Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) Dialogue on Sport and Climate Action in Bonn,
Germany as a prelude to COP23, where governments are meeting this month to
advance the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The Council represented the perspective and experience of the growing
number of sporting events around the world that are choosing to produce
events in a more environmentally, economic and socially sustainable
fashion. With more than 140 events independently certified globally by the
Council, it was uniquely positioned to provide practical and independent
input that reflects the activities of some of the world's leading sporting
events.
"We are honored to have been asked to represent the sports events sector at
the UN Summit" said Michele Grossman, Council for Responsible Sport Board
Chair for the Council for Responsible Sport and Managing Principal at Waste
Management Sustainability Services. "Sporting events represent not only the
chance to create change at events themselves, but more importantly to
support change and action in the millions of people who participate, attend
or watch sporting events each year" she continued.
The Council for Responsible Sport is an Oregon, USA based not-for-profit
which has worked with over a hundred events globally to help them establish
a straightforward framework to hosting a more sustainable event, and
independently verify actions taken. This gives confidence to event owners,
host cities, sponsors and participants that events are making a real
difference in the way they manage their environmental footprint, engage
with local communities and underpin economic legacy.
"We focus on supporting responsible events that work for all stakeholders
and we are seeing growth in the number of events at all levels looking to
work in a different way" Grossman commented.
Grossman reflected that the discussions focused on identifying the greatest
impact each of the represented groups can have on climate change in the
next five years "were very encouraging and timely". "It was a powerful
group and it was exciting for the Council to be alongside other leading
organizations at the event that included NHL, Formula E, FIFA, NFL, UEFA,
and the Golf Environment Organization, among others" she remarked.
"Being a global organization, I believe we were able to represent the views
of a growing sports movement at this important UN dialogue" said Grossman.
The Council for Responsible Sport has worked with events in North and South
America, Europe, Africa and the first Asian events expected in 2018. The
Council has worked with a number of marquee organizations including world
championship events for the International Association of Athletic
Associations (IAAF) and Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) along with
World Marathon Major, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, USA Olympic Track
and Field Trials, NCAA Final Four and Track and Field Championships.
About the Council for Responsible Sport
The Council's vision is a world where responsibly produced sports events
are the norm and its mission is to provide objective, independent
verification of the socially and environmentally responsible work event
organizers are doing to make a difference in their communities. The current
version of the Council's Certification standards (v.4.2) was developed by
an outside working group of both sustainability and sport industry experts,
reviewed by a wide range of stakeholders throughout 2013 and implemented in
January 2014. www.CouncilforResponsibleSport.org
###
|
