Zero waste stand at Kujawy Pomorze
A strong focus on promoting active lifestyles and environmental responsibility are among the key sustainability initiatives at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26, which gets under way in Torun, Poland one week from today (20-22 March).
The LOC’s sustainability plan is driven by actions around five pillars: the ‘Promotion of Active Lifestyles and Athletic Development’, ‘Environmental Responsibility’, ‘Community Development and Inclusion’, and ‘Economic Growth and Innovation’, which then collectively feed into the fifth pillar, ‘Long-Term and Short-Term Goals’, which addresses the event’s legacy for both athletics and the region.
The plan was designed in alignment with Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Development Strategy 2030, which promotes a modern, environmentally conscious image of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region in line with the principles of smart specialisation and sustainable development, and with the Athletics for a Better World (ABW) Standard, the tiered system implemented by World Athletics in 2024 that evaluates efforts by events to reduce their environmental impact and increase their local economic and social benefits.
Promoting active lifestyles
Initiatives and activations from the first pillar include the Bronislav Malinowski programme, an initiative named in honour of the 1976 Olympic champion in the 3000m steeplechase aimed at supporting and developing athletics talent. Alongside that is the ‘Believe in Sport Initiative’, a series of outdoor events and workshops for youth which focuses on expanding the sport’s reach to involve greater segments of the community. Each event features information stands on renewable energy, water conservation, waste separation, and nature protection.
Environmental responsibility
Driving the Environmental Responsibility pillar is the 'Towards Zero Waste at the Arena' and 'Green Kujawsko-Pomorskie' programmes, the former focusing on the event itself and the latter an environmental education and awareness-raising component of the larger regional strategy that will implemented at events in the lead-in and during the World Indoor Championships.
The Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena Toruń will include a robust waste separation and recycling system and the promotion of a reusable beverage cup system to reduce single-use plastic at the event. Coupled with that was the installation of new water dispensers through the arena. There will be on-site education about proper waste sorting and visitors will have access to a digital map of the entire eco-infrastructure across the venue which includes waste stations, water points, bike racks and zero waste booths.
The LOC is also encouraging the use of public transportation and carpooling to the event through its ‘Green Transport Initiative’ which also includes a dedicated parking area for spectators who come to the event by bicycle.
Efforts to delivery a more energy efficient event include the use of LED lighting, optimised ventilation and heating systems in the venue, real-time energy consumption monitoring and some use of renewable energy sources.
The LOC has also incorporated a wide variety of workshops into preparation of the event, on topics ranging from supporting wild pollinators, waste sorting and reducing resource use to sustainable living and the responsible use of technology to help foster sustainable digital habits.
Since not all interested are able to participate in the event, the LOC has organised a special Fun Spot that will be open to everyone throughout the championships in Toruń’s Old Town centre. A full slate of activities has been planned alongside an inspiration zone, which will provide the chance to meet athletes, try one’s abilities in different sports, as well as to learn about environmental protection.
The active approach towards caring for the environment is shown by ‘Kujawsko-Pomorski Plogging’, a region-wide litter pick event that will take place in seven public green space locations.
Mental health break – take a dog for a walk!
The LOC has organised a unique volunteer opportunity at the Toruń Animal Shelter where athletes, volunteers, staff and team delegation members can share some kindness and de-stress ahead of the championships by taking a dog for a walk. The event is on Wednesday, March 18 at 9am. Send an email message to register.
Community development and inclusion
Focusing on inclusion with the aim to reach everyone within the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, the LOC launched an initiative called 50 Relays of Kujawy Pomorze. The goal was to hold 50 sporting events in 50 days leading to the championships in 50 different parts of the region – including small villages and big cities. Each meeting provided an opportunity for shared physical activity, community integration, and the promotion of an active lifestyle. The initiative involved athletes from local clubs as well as amateurs, children and young people, entire families, seniors and people with disabilities.
And finally, through the 'Local Suppliers, Global Success' programme, the event will actively promote local products and service providers with a focus on short supply chains. At least 70% of food consumed at the event will be regional, much of it organic, and more than half of the service providers from the region.
