Few might realise as they watch the semi-final of the UEFA European Championship that the Stade Vélodrome stadium has micro urban wind turbines or that the venue, which is the largest club football ground in France, recovers heat from a nearby wastewater treatment plant.
Huge sporting events such as the Euros present big challenges and opportunities for innovation around issues such as construction, energy, transport and consumer waste. But innovative ideas are being applied to sports all year round.
Nike, for example, recycles worn out athletic shoes and turns them into surfaces such as running tracks and tennis courts. The sports brand recently became a partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an organisation trying to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Speedo, the swimwear giant famous for its tiny shorts, is creating swimsuits from scrap nylon generated in its factories, while Dallas-based budget carrier Southwest Airlines previously partnered with a Kenyan social enterprise to make footballs from its seat covers.
After weeks of footballers and tennis players in the spotlight, we want to discuss the work done quietly by architects, events organisers, materials experts, sustainability teams and others to better manage the environmental impacts of sports.
Join the discussion
Join us on Tuesday 12 July, 1-2pm BST, in the comment section of this page where we’ll explore questions including:
- How are circular economy principles being applied to building sports venues?
- How is the waste that’s generated by fans at venues being managed? Are there any initiatives in place at venues that help prevent waste in the first place?
- Do sports clubs have a role to play in engaging their fans in sustainability?
Panel
Tania Braga, head of sustainability, accessibility and legacy, Organising Committee for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games
David Stubbs, independent sustainability expert, led the sustainability programme of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Russell Seymour, founder and chair, the British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS)
Paul Fraser, marketing director EMEA, Tarkett Sports
Patrick Hermon, director of UK/EU operations, eTool
Tom Kay, founder and managing director, Finisterre
Rachael Smith, purpose director, Fuse Sport and Entertainment
Ronan Leyden, head of sustainable places, Bioregional
Nick Roberts, sustainability and sport engagement consultant
Email tess.riley@theguardian.com if you would like to be considered for the panel.
Leave a question now
The question form is now closed. To read the debate, please see the comments section below.
