On 4th January we highlighted how the IJF is committed to combating global warming (https://www.ijf.org/news/show/the-ijf-acts-to-fight-climate-change). In order to have a better understanding of the environmental impact of world circuit competitions, the Antalya Grand Slam and the Upper Austria Grand Prix of 2023 were scrutinised.
The Antalya Grand Slam 2023 was held in Türkiye from 31st March to 2nd April. A total of 600 competitors from 83 countries and 5 continents took part, while the Upper Austria Grand Prix, held in Linz from 25th to 27th May, attracted a total of 455 competitors from 72 countries and 5 continents.
Prior to all IJF events, recommendations to decrease the carbon footprint are given to event organisers. This helps to raise awareness of the impact of judo competitions on the environment with the focus on greenhouse gas emissions. The application of the given recommendations allows the improvement of the sustainability of the events, contributing to the reduction of their greenhouse gas emissions and highlighting efforts directed towards a greener event.
Every human activity has an impact and every activity can be compensated. Thus, in order to balance the impact of the Antalya Grand Slam and the Upper Austria Grand Prix, the IJF purchased carbon credits from the Cururos Wind Farm Project (Chile).
The Cururos Wind Farm Project includes two wind farms, called El Pacifico and La Cebada, with a total installed capacity of 109.6 MW and an average generation of 290 GWh per year. The wind farm is connected to the Central Interconnected System (SIC). By replacing fossil fuel based power in the grid, it has the capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 173,819 tCO2e per year. The project also contributes to the sustainable development of the country and region by decreasing the dependency on limited non-renewable resources, generates employment opportunities, contributes to the transfer of clean technology, and creates new direct and indirect income sources.
Sezer Huysuz, President of the Turkish Judo Federation said, "I must say that I am happy to be a part of this study. The increasing world population, population density in cities, major climate changes in recent years, and increasing consumption require us to protect our environment more and leave a cleaner world for the future. In recent years, the president of the country has shown great sensitivity in reducing greenhouse gases and in renewable energy issues and has given full support to large projects. We are especially careful about it in Antalya. The fact is that Antalya is a touristic city and there are many visitors. This causes us to be more sensitive about the environmental issue. By ensuring that the athletes and teams stay in a single hotel, carbon emissions are minimised by using fewer vehicles, for instance. We will continue to work sensitively on this issue, with the great support of our organisation team, local administrators and government in order to provide a healthier and cleaner environment, especially by separating waste in the accommodation, in the gym and in the general environment, and using environmentally friendly products. I believe that although this work is a small part of the larger cycle, it will make a great contribution to our future and the environment we live in."
Martin Poiger, president of the Austrian Judo Federation explained, "It was very clear from the beginning that we wanted to deal with this aspect of events. We believe, supported by the government, that big sporting events can be green or at least greener than in the past. It was a good starting point and we learned a lot through this process. Of course we will keep going in this area; we will try to be even better in the future. Of course teams need to come by plane but there are many points where we can be sustainable for the future. We are happy with this start and we are looking forward to being even better in the future."
Antalya and Upper Austria serve as role models for other organisers. Based on their experience, it will help to keep reducing the impact of international events, offering a chance to preserve the environment.