As we build up to the release of our new sustainability tracking software for sport, events and venues, we are running a series of articles digging deeper into the areas that organisations in this space want to track. Next up - the environment.

What is environmental sustainability?

Generally, the environment is the first area we all think of when we hear 'sustainability'. Indeed, issues arising from climate change feel like the most pressing dangers facing society and reducing an organisation's carbon footprint should be a major goal for all organisations.

In short, environmental sustainability involves taking actions now to conserve resources, protect ecosystems and support the current generation to preserve the health, wellbeing and surroundings of future generations.

Which United Nations Sustainable Development Goals does it particularly relate to?

Most relevant here are 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, 13 Climate Action, 14 Life Below Water and 15 Life on Land.

Why should you track it?

In 2021, this needs little justification. Large organisations in every industry need to act to reduce their carbon footprint, and for sport, events and venues there is a large environmental impact that needs to be offset: huge stadia, international travel, and mass food and drink consumption to name a few aspects.

Your stakeholders, fans and consumers are demanding that you play your part. This month, Tottenham Hotspur have partnered with Sky to host the world's first net zero carbon football game at an elite level. This #GameZero shows the scale of action needed for organisations in our industry.

Which metrics should you be looking at?

The obvious starting point is to measure the overall carbon footprint of your organisation. There are many great calculators online for you to start this process off. This can become a useful headline metric that encompasses your entire environmental sustainability strategy.

Then, the key metrics you choose to follow will be based on the type of organisation you are. A sailing federation might be most interested in water quality and a stadium caterer might be most interested in a sustainable supply chain based around responsibly-sourced and vegan produce. Cutting down on single-use plastics is another large area that most organisations are trying to succeed in.

There is no single list of metrics that should be tracked. The more you investigate your carbon footprint and environmental impact, the stronger an understanding you will receive of the areas that you need to manage.

WeTrack's Sustainability Tracking Software

Track sustainability properly: improve your standards, hit your targets and share your achievements. WeTrack is building sustainability tracking software for sports organisations, major events and venues. Your customers are demanding that you track sustainability and we are giving you the tool to do that: managing your information in one place, collaborating with and engaging your team - and having confidence, and proof, that you are making a positive impact on the world around you.

Get in touch to learn more about how we are helping organisations like you to track their sustainability. Or, watch our short introduction to WeTrack. Thanks for reading!