As part of its comprehensive Sustainability Strategy and wider ISU Vision 2030 program, the International Skating Union (ISU) is proud to introduce its new Sustainability Guidelines; an actionable framework aimed at advancing environmental and social responsibility principles across all ISU Events. Designed in the form of step-by-step checklists, these Guidelines provide concrete recommendations and best practices to event organizers, ISU Members, Skaters and other relevant stakeholders with the objective to foster consistent collective actions and behavioral change in the field of sustainability. 

With more than 45 annual ISU Events organized across four disciplines - Figure Skating, Synchronized Skating, Speed Skating and Short Track Speed Skating – the new Sustainability Guidelines for ISU Events represent an essential tool to ensure that sustainability goals – as outlined in the ISU Vision 2030 and the ISU Sustainability Strategy – are incorporated in all key areas of events management and operations. The implementation of these Guidelines follows a straightforward six-stage process (read here, p. 1) that revolves around four strategic priorities:   

1. Ice Rinks: Targeted regeneration, sustainable innovation and efficiency techniques for ice rink facilities.

• Concerned areas: Refrigeration & Energy, Lighting & Digital, Water.

2. Nature: Natural ice stewardship and preservation initiatives. 

• Concerned areas: Equipment, Communication, Venue, Accreditation & Lanyards, Signage & Decorations.

3. Carbon and Circularity: Waste and pollution reduction, circular economy/recycling of products and materials, carbon footprint measurement and minimization. 

• Concerned areas: Transport, Branding & Signage, Uniforms, Food & Beverage, Event Logistics, Waste Management, Energy & Water reduction, Carbon Footprint, Accommodation.

4. Community: Good governance-led actions to empower ISU Member federations, support the skaters’ physical and mental well-being and ensure fair competition through diversity, equity, inclusion, and integrity across all events.

• Concerned areas: Community programs, Education, Sponsors & Suppliers, Athlete Safeguarding and Good Governance ensuring Unity, Inclusion and Integrity across all activities. 

All event organizers are encouraged to apply these Guidelines when planning, running and evaluating ISU Events. For each step of the process, clear and easy-to-use checklists are provided with recommendations and examples to enhance positive social, environmental and economic impacts. 

The ISU’s recommendations are summed up in the following 5 Eco-Tips applying to all ISU stakeholders: 

Through the delivery of these Guidelines and Tips, the ISU demonstrates its firm commitment in building a culture of sustainability to inspire good practices, responsible behavior as well as a forward-looking mindset among the global ice-skating community. All ISU Events stakeholders are invited to join the efforts to create global and lasting impacts for a greener future in the sports world. 

Learn more about the ISU Sustainability Strategy and ISU Vision 2030.