Poster Presentation

Paper ID : 1365-12THCONG

Oral / Poster Presentation File: Slide1.JPG  elshan davaran hagh.JPG 

Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

The recognition of the importance of the relationship between sport and the natural environment dates back to the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, when for the first time concerns regarding the negative impact on the environment were addressed by carefully planning the construction of facilities. The Organizing Committee initiated more than 20 sustainability projects to ensure that the Games were environmentally friendly. The 1994 Olympics established a long-term legacy and were widely regarded as the first ‘Green Games’. Since then, the sport industry has committed to taking actions and has started to develop strategies to mitigate the environmental impact associated with sport facilities and events. This concern for sustainable management of sport has triggered two types of environmental initiatives: to reduce the ecological footprint of sports, and to use sports as a means to raise environmental awareness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to study the impact of environmental considerations on sports organizations. To identify themes that reflect the current state of environmental efforts of sports organizations, a qualitative method was used in analyzing websites and published documents. The findings showed that the consequence of environmental considerations by sports organizations include increasing organizational legitimacy, cost savings and building stronger relationships with key stakeholders. According to the findings, it seems that sports organizations are expanding current environmental initiatives as well as implementing new activities. Given the social values and stakeholder expectations, government intervention and mandatory requirements for some certifications are expected to continue to focus on environmental considerations in sport. Therefore, sports organizations must work closely with environmental experts to continue their efforts. Because, as environmental awareness grows, sustainable sport provides a platform from which to help build a sustainable future.

Environment; sports industry; Sustainability

Sport management