World Floorball Championships 2024 achieves Sustainable Event certification

The 2024 World Floorball Championships (WFC) in Malmö, Sweden, is the first floorball championship to achieve the Sustainable Event certification. This accomplishment, reached in collaboration with the city of Malmö and Malmö Arena, marks a significant step in aligning the sport with sustainable development principles.

“This is an important step for floorball and a clear example of how we can align the values of the sport with sustainable development. We are proud to be the first floorball championship in the world to achieve this certification,” said Magnus Nilsson, Event Director for the WFC. 

The certification, overseen by Greentime, involves third-party audits before and during the event to ensure compliance with comprehensive sustainability standards. Simon Strandvik, CEO of Greentime, commended the WFC organisers for embedding sustainability into the event planning and inspiring partners and suppliers to take action.

The certification reflects a growing focus within the sports industry on integrating sustainability into event planning. Amanda Emet, who led the WFC’s sustainability efforts, highlighted the importance of addressing details such as eco-labelled cleaning products and comprehensive waste-sorting facilities for visitors. These measures illustrate a commitment to improving the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability.

One notable initiative is the introduction of collection boxes for used floorball equipment. Swedish floorball associations can collect and recycle items like sticks, glasses and balls, giving new purpose to old gear. 

The collected equipment will be redistributed to schools or community projects like the Leisure Bank, promoting reuse and reducing waste. Visitors to the tournament are encouraged to participate by bringing their used equipment to support this initiative.

The WFC 2024 is also part of the EU’s GAMES project, which aims to promote climate change mitigation practices within the sports sector. Sustainability efforts include encouraging visitors to travel sustainably and choose environmentally friendly accommodation. 

Malmö Arena’s proximity to Hyllie Station ensures easy access by train, while the official hotel partner, Scandic Hotels, holds the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, signifying environmentally responsible practices. Visitors traveling from other parts of Sweden or Europe are encouraged to use public transport options, such as direct trains from Stockholm or Copenhagen.

The championship’s sustainability focus also aims for a lasting impact. By working closely with partners and stakeholders, the WFC 2024 seeks to address immediate environmental concerns and establish benchmarks for socially and economically inclusive practices. Initiatives such as the equipment collection boxes and participation in the GAMES project exemplify the organisers’ commitment to fostering responsibility and awareness.

As the championship approaches, taking place from December 7-15, 2024, the organisers’ vision goes beyond the tournament itself. By prioritising sustainability, they hope to inspire other sports and events to adopt similar practices, demonstrating that sustainability and sporting excellence can coexist. With the final certification review scheduled during the event, the WFC 2024’s efforts signal a forward-looking approach to sustainable sports events.