A healthy mind in a green city

WRRC Copenhagen will bring people together across age, gender, and ethnicity, creating a celebration centered around running. Our primary goal is to organize an event that prioritizes responsible solutions and focuses on environmental considerations. We will integrate sustainable practices and principles into the event's planning, organization, and execution. 

 

We aim to minimize our carbon footprint and promote responsible practices. This includes reducing waste, encouraging recycling and composting, using renewable energy sources, and motivating participants and spectators to choose sustainable transportation options.

 

Our sustainability plan will align with World Athletics' best practices and the Athletics for a Better World program.

To support World Athletics' best practices, we will implement the following measures:

 

 

CO2

To maximize our impact and ensure a greener event, we will assess the expected emissions and prioritize our sustainability initiatives accordingly, focusing on areas where we can make the most significant difference.

 

We strive to minimize resource consumption as much as possible. Printed materials will largely be replaced by digital solutions. Race bibs will be printed on-site, and programs, press kits, etc., will only be available digitally.

 

Single-use plastic is banned at mega-events in Copenhagen, so we will exclusively use compostable materials for items such as cups and bags.

The race baggage bag will be of high quality to encourage runners to reuse it worldwide.

 

100% recyclable bottles will only be distributed at the finish line. All hydration stations will tap water directly from the city's fire hydrants, a solution that has successfully been used for years at large-scale events. This method effectively reduces waste and adapts to weather conditions. With an expected large number of spectators along the streets, we will set up water stations where people can refill their own bottles. HOFOR will test the water quality before it is used at the event.

Waste management

Waste is one of the biggest sources of CO₂ emissions at events, so we will actively work to ensure the best possible opportunities for proper waste sorting both in the event area and backstage.

As organizers, we are deeply committed to protecting the local environment and will collaborate with the city to ensure a swift and efficient cleanup. We will implement drop zones to prevent energy gels and similar waste from being scattered throughout the city. Maintaining a clean local environment is essential for fostering a positive attitude among residents toward hosting major events.

 

Procurement

We will incorporate sustainability criteria into our internal procurement processes. This means selecting products, services, and suppliers with environmental, social, and economic sustainability in mind. We will set supplier requirements that include sustainable performance, promotion of reuse and recycling, and support for local and social enterprises.

• Environmental sustainability: Assessing whether a product is recyclable, considering transportation distances, determining if it should be purchased or leased, and ensuring certification (e.g., Nordic Swan label, plastic-free, etc.).

• Social considerations: Ensuring that products and suppliers comply with Danish laws on fair working conditions, human rights, and labor rights throughout the supply chain.

• Economic sustainability: Evaluating economic factors such as price, total cost, efficiency, and long-term value.

 

Food

We will prioritize sustainable food options, including vegetarian meals, reduced meat consumption, and requirements for organic ingredients.

 

Health and local footprint

The proposed outreach program will primarily focus on improving children's and young people's health and well-being through running. It is important to us that the event has a societal impact and makes a difference in the local community.

 

Accessibility and inclusion

We will also focus on the social dimension. Our outreach program will reach out to vulnerable groups and offer them free participation. Additionally, we believe that disabilities or physical challenges should not be a barrier to participation, and we will ensure accommodations for participants with special needs.

 

Communication and education

Communication will be a crucial element of the event’s sustainability strategy. Volunteers must be well-informed so they can relay the event’s sustainability initiatives to participants and spectators. These initiatives should also be widely communicated to participants and partners.

 

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sustainability

• Good Health and Well-being: Prioritizing sports and physical activity, with a special focus on children’s and young people’s health and well-being.

• Gender Equality: Ensuring gender equality within the organization as well as in event coverage.

• Clean Water and Sanitation: Utilizing Copenhagen’s fire hydrants as drinking water sources to prevent resource waste.

• Reduced Inequalities: Addressing social inequalities in physical activity habits, particularly among children and young people.

• Responsible Consumption and Production: As outlined in our sustainability measures.

• Partnerships for the Goals: Actively collaborating with local authorities, organizations, and communities to promote sustainable development.