What will we be doing?
We will develop a Sport Wales Decarbonisation Strategy and will all have a role in delivering the actions that emerge. We will be raising our awareness and increasing our knowledge so that we are all thinking and acting in a more sustainable way. The focus will be on our own organisation as well as how we can support the sector.
Why is this area of work so important?
We are in a Climate Emergency and urgently need to accelerate actions to reduce carbon emissions. We want Sport Wales to positively contribute to the Welsh Government’s public sector net zero by 2030 ambition and to provide leadership and support to the sector.
What we are already doing?
- Making progress across our facilities to reduce our carbon emissions in recent years. In particular, the installation of a ground source heating system at Plas Menai.
- We have begun to stimulate thinking with partners and have been examining through our own investments and approach to facilities the role our organisation can play in the future.
- Provide grants for projects that are sustainable including solar panels and LED lights.
- Increased procurement from local suppliers and a focus on reducing single use plastic items.
What new work we are going to be doing over the next 3-6 months?
- Work with the Carbon Trust to develop a Decarbonisation Strategy.
- Establish a staff group to lead our work in this area.
- Develop a Communications Plan.
- Develop the NGB network and bring the other partners / stakeholders into this conversation.
- Identify materials available to support the sector and ensure they are relevant and accessible.
- Implement sustainability considerations in our grant allocations.
- Build the principles of sustainability into our work on our capital investment strategy.
- Consider how our accommodation and catering offerings can be adapted to be more sustainable.
- Identify and communicate opportunities for our staff to reduce their work-related carbon emissions.
- Work with others (including Welsh Government, other Welsh Government Sponsored Public Bodies and Lottery Distributors) to assess how we can adapt our procurement processes to routinely assess sustainability in our purchasing decisions.
How can I find out more?
We will be creating a staff ‘Green Team’ group to lead our work in this area and they will help keep everyone updated. You will have an opportunity to contribute to the Decarbonisation Strategy in the coming weeks. If you have any immediate questions, please contact Emma Wilkins.