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Sustainability in Sport

In recent years sustainability has become a significant political and social issue. Rising energy and water costs; increased insurance premiums; variation to business because of climate impacts; the likelihood of further regulation; and reputational issues mean that forward-thinking businesses are addressing sustainability and will continue to do so; sport is no exception. Arguably sport, with its need for a clean and healthy environment for athletes to train and compete in and its expectation of fair-play, is closer to the issues than other businesses and so is in a strong position to take a lead in developing and communicating sustainable practices. Also, sport plays an important and significant role in the lives of many people and can positively influence the behaviour of fans through the health benefits of participation or by providing role models.

This meeting, organised by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and facilitated by experts in the field of sustainability from the UCL Environmental Institute, was intended as a primer to develop responses to sustainability issues at club, individual discipline and sector level. It introduced and discussed sustainability issues in the context of sports and sports business. The workshop sessions allowed interaction between the delegates, bringing together National Governing Bodies, venues and clubs across a range of sports. The common issues highlighted and the conclusions reached at this meeting provided the focus for future research and discussion.

The meeting was held at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday September 29th 2010.

Key attendees from UCL-EI:

Professor Mark Maslin
Mark is the former Director of the UCL Environment Institute and Head of the Department of Geography. He is a leading scientist with particular expertise in past, present and future climate change.

Professor Yvonne Rydin
Yvonne is the current Director of the UCL Environment Institute and Professor of
Planning, Environment and Public Policy at University College London’s Bartlett
School of Planning. She specialises in planning practice and theory, environmental policy and planning, urban governance and sustainable cities.

From MCC:

Dr Russell Seymour
Russell is Sustainability Manager for Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord’s Cricket Ground. His background is in ecology, environmental science and conservation biology. Russell’s current role sees him managing, reporting and advising on sustainability elements of the business at Lord’s Ground.