Environmental Sustainability Plan
The sustainability plan for the 2026 Agility World Championships, to be held in Turku, Finland, aims to organize the event in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Developed in collaboration with the Finnish Agility Association, the event organizers, partners, sponsors, and venue operators, this plan is guided by a shared goal: to create a lasting legacy of environmental responsibility for future international agility events.
The foundation of the plan draws from the sustainability strategy of World Athletics and the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework, which supports the Paris Agreement. Based on these frameworks, the plan is built around four guiding principles that direct the sustainability efforts of AWC2026:
- Concrete actions to reduce environmental impact
- Promotion of sustainable and responsible consumption
- Transparent communication and dissemination of climate knowledge
- Strengthening equality, inclusion, accessibility, and well-being
Following the event, a comprehensive sustainability report will be published to assess the impact of the plan and reaffirm our commitment to long-term improvements in organizing environmentally responsible international agility competitions.
Vision and Objective
The objective is to organize the Agility World Championships in an environmentally responsible way, minimizing the ecological footprint of the event while supporting the sustainable future of the sport.
“The world’s premier agility event – organized responsibly, inspiring future hosts and the global agility community.”
Principle 1: Concrete Actions to Reduce Environmental Impact
The most significant environmental burden of the event arises from the travel of competitors and spectators to the competition venue. While travel is a necessary aspect of an international championship, the plan emphasizes responsible mobility and structured transportation options.
- Public transport and carpooling: Free or low-cost shuttle buses will operate regularly between the competition venue and the city center, helping to reduce private car use, traffic congestion, and parking demand. Clear guidance will be provided to encourage public transportation use.
- Competitor communication: All participants will be encouraged to choose the most environmentally friendly travel options available (e.g., train, shared transport, low-emission flights).
- Waste management and recycling: Clearly marked and easily accessible recycling stations will be placed throughout the competition venue. The goal is to recycle the majority of the waste produced and minimize residual waste.
Principle 2: Promotion of Sustainable and Responsible Consumption
Procurement decisions and operational models are based on circular economy principles and environmentally sound choices:
- Reuse of equipment: Obstacles used in the competition will be sold after the event to extend their lifecycle and avoid unnecessary disposal. Turf is in rent.
- Rented or loaned electronics: IT equipment such as computers, printers, and timing systems will be sourced through rental or borrowing agreements with clubs or companies to avoid unnecessary purchases.
- Digital over printed materials: Event information, programs, and results will be shared through digital platforms, with all communication centralized on the official website and mobile channels.
- Sustainable prizes: In cooperation with sponsors, awards will be designed to minimize environmental impact.
- Eco-conscious medals: Competition medals will be made from recyclable and responsibly sourced materials.
- Local sourcing: Wherever possible, goods and services used in the event will be locally produced or procured to reduce transport-related emissions.
- Sustainable catering: In the food offering, opportunities are being explored to promote vegetarian options and avoid overpackaging, and whether low-carbon food offerings could be marked with their own symbol.
- Minimized single-use products: Disposable items will be avoided in volunteer gear, food serviceware, and event structures. Reusable signs and banners will be used whenever possible.
Principle 3: Transparent Communication and Climate Education
Environmental sustainability will be communicated openly before, during, and after the event. The aim is to raise awareness and provide transparent information to support continuous development:
- Environmental information point: The association’s stand will present the competitions’ responsibility activities and encourage participants and the audience to take their own environmental actions.
- Social media campaign: A dedicated campaign will highlight concrete environmental actions through visual storytelling (e.g., infographics, photo stories).
- Post-event sustainability report: A comprehensive report will document the implemented actions and provide a foundation for future international agility events. International agility organizations will be encouraged to integrate sustainability planning into future bids.
- Participant awareness: Attendees will receive practical guidance on how to reduce their environmental impact while traveling to and attending the event.
Principle 4: Strengthening Equality, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Well-being
The competition will be organized in a way that supports social sustainability and ensures accessibility for all:
- Accessible facilities: The venue will be accessible to both spectators of varying physical abilities. Pathways, restrooms, and seating areas will be designed with universal accessibility in mind.
- Inclusive volunteer program: Volunteering will be open to all, and volunteers are instructed on the principles of environmental responsibility in competitions
