» Resources » The top five tips for developing a sports sustainability strategy Sustainability Strategy The top five tips for developing a sports sustainability strategy In my previous article I showcased the top five sustainability impact areas in sport, covering; carbon, labour rights, waste, biodiversity, and social value. Now that we have identified those main impact areas, the logical next steps are to begin developing those into an effective and purposeful sports sustainability strategy. 1. Prioritise As detailed in the last blog of this series, there are many impacts within the sports sector which can be overwhelming. Understand what impacts are most important to your organisation and set priorities, think about: Why are you wanting to be more sustainable? What are your investors and customers expecting? What are your competitors focusing on? Where can you have the biggest impact? 2. Engage the community The community is a very important stakeholder within the sport industry, therefore they should be involved when building your sustainability strategy. The community can not only help to guide the strategies’ vision but also it’s delivery. 3. Set SMART targets Once you’ve agreed on your priorities, set SMART targets to drive and monitor progress. Here’s an example of a SMART target: Goal: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from sports events by 25% within the next five years. Specific: The target focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, specifically related to sports events. Measurable: The target is quantifiable, aiming for a 25% reduction in emissions. The baseline emissions data should be established, and progress can be tracked over time. Achievable: The target is ambitious yet attainable within a five-year timeframe based on actions identified to reduce emissions. Relevant: The target aligns with the sustainability goals and commitments of the organisation. Time-bound: The target specifies a timeframe of five years, providing a clear deadline for achieving the desired reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 4. Build a roadmap Now that you have clear targets, build a roadmap to achieve them. Your roadmap should include: KPIs Detailed initiatives Resource allocation Roles & responsibilities Monitoring and evaluation Communication engagement Review and continuous improvement 5. Communicate and implement A strategy is only useful if it is communicated and implemented. When doing this, focus both internally and externally: Internal: Who needs to know? Do they need training? How can they be made accountable of the role they need to play? External: Who needs to know? How can you support them? How can they support you? For more information or to find out how Action Sustainability supports organisations to develop and deliver their own sustainability strategies, reach out to our Senior Consultant Imogen Player. Anna Cantwell Senior Consultant Oct 11, 2023 Share: Related Articles May 2025 Blog How to Shift Mindsets on Climate (Without the Usual Doom and Gloom) Ross Primmer May 2025 Blog How to Shift Mindsets on Climate (Without the Usual Doom and Gloom) Today you’re never far away from a headline which talks about the climate and biodiversity emergency. We’re well versed, and arguably fatigued, with articles about rising levels of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere or declines in species diversity across the globe. Yet, despite these alarming headlines, emissions are rising and rates of extinction increase. The […] Keagan Allin May 2025 Blog Reflections on Sustainable Procurement: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Ahead Sarah Chatfield May 2025 Blog Reflections on Sustainable Procurement: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Ahead As sustainable procurement continues to evolve, it’s crucial to assess where we stand, how we can build on our momentum, and the role ISO 20400 has played in advancing the field—and how it can continue to accelerate progress. World Sustainable Procurement Day provided an excellent opportunity for Shaun McCarthy from ISO 20400.org and me to […] Keagan Allin April 2025 Blog From Buzzword to Backbone: Making the Business Case for AI in Responsible Procurement Vaishali Baid April 2025 Blog From Buzzword to Backbone: Making the Business Case for AI in Responsible Procurement AI is no longer just a shiny tech buzzword. AI is everywhere now within organisations and is taking a priority to reshape business operations, and procurement is not left behind. It’s right in the thick of this transformation. But when it comes to responsible procurement, AI isn’t just a tool for efficiency, it has the […] Keagan Allin