The extensive sustainability programme implemented at the Netball World Cup 2023 (NWC2023) has been a resounding success, and delivers a solid baseline for future events, Tournament Director Priscilla Masisi confirms.
“A full carbon footprint and impact report is being produced for the first time in the history of the event, including details of the longer term legacy projects,” she adds.
“This is a complex and dynamic event encompassing a broad scope of activities involving multiple stakeholders. We want to thank the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for providing executive support, and all our partners, service providers, support crews and participants for playing their part in the effort to host a low-carbon tournament, which included a wide range of associated social impact projects.”
One of the major actions of the implementation was a concerted effort to engage and gain buy-in from service providers: from emergency medical services to waste and cleaning crews to the venue operations teams.
All clothing, hats and bags used by support crews and for sale as official merchandise at the main tournament were locally produced, while the venue implements a number of technologies to cut down on water and energy usage. Efficient appliances, lighting, taps and toilets all contribute to this, with live monitoring to ensure proactive management. Multi-bin recycling stations allowed for separation at source, with a goal of diverting at least 80% from landfill through recycling and collecting organic materials for use as animal feed.
Awareness creation received much attention to ensure the positive practices endure beyond the tournament. More than 400 volunteers, officials and support staff were trained in responsible event hosting, and interactive waste stations playfully encouraged waste separation. While the LOC committed to a 10-pillar Sustainability Statement, physical and digital walls allowed individuals and groups to pledge their ongoing support: tournament mascot Letsatsi, scholars, spectators, teams like the SPAR Proteas and Tonga, and even the broadcast team.
“The #pivot4planet campaign has captured the netball community’s attention and we hope NWC2023 marks an increased sense of responsibility to international netball tournaments,” Masisi concludes.
