The Finnish Olympic Committee has released an updated environmental program. The first environmental program was published in 2021.
Karoliina Ketola, the Committee’s Special Advisor on Responsibility, is pleased with the progress made. The goals of the initial environmental program have been successfully achieved.
– In addition to calculating our carbon footprint, which was one of our goals, the Olympic Committee joined the international Sports for Climate Action initiative. We have also made progress in promoting active modes of transport in club development and as part of an active lifestyle. While these areas have seen great advances, much work remains. The targets have now been set even higher, Ketola explains.
Environmental efforts carried out collectively on a broad scale
The environmental program’s goals extend to all areas of the Olympic Committee’s operations. Over the past four years, environmental responsibility has been closely integrated into event processes, and new operational models have been developed. For instance, the pre-camp for the Paris Olympics was held domestically, Olympic village equipment was shared and jointly transported with the Paralympic team, the amount of team apparel was reduced, and recycling options for clothing were provided.
In terms of promoting an active lifestyle and club activities, the focus has been on utility exercise and active transportation options. Club networks have identified and shared models for reducing car traffic associated with leisure activities.
Member organizations are also deeply involved in environmental efforts: every member organization of the Olympic Committee has its own environmental program. Support has been provided to sports organizations to develop environmental programs, assess and update goals, and address individual needs.
Towards new goals and measures
The environmental program extends beyond the Olympic Committee’s own activities and, if successful, will impact the entire sports community. Significant changes in impact require long-term collaboration with the sports community.
Through its commitment to the Sports for Climate Action initiative, the Olympic Committee has pledged a 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040.
As part of updating the sports community’s responsibility program, new environmental and climate goals have also been defined for sports organizations. These are being advanced through continuous responsibility clinics, coaching sessions, meetings, and feedback.
– In environmental responsibility, every step forward is important, even though the goal is still ahead. As the Olympic Committee, our role is to promote and support environmental responsibility in our own operations and to assist our member organizations in their environmental efforts, Ketola concludes.