In 2020, World Athletics published its sustainability strategy, which included a commitment to embed principles of sustainability into all events that are controlled or owned by World Athletics. As part of that commitment, World Athletics has a established a certification that evaluates, measures and scores an event’s achievement in sustainable delivery and in delivering the event in alignment with the six pillars that frame its strategy.
The ABW Standard consists of 55 action areas that address all levels of event delivery – including procurement, waste management, energy, food and water management, travel and accommodation planning. Diversity, accessibility and inclusion of staff and volunteers is also addressed, as is ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all participants and stakeholders. The standard considers partner, host city and athlete engagement in sustainability initiatives and includes guidance on monitoring, reporting and communicating organisers’ efforts and ambitions.
