NF Estonia - From World Cup to World Championships: Building a Certified Sustainability Legacy for Biathlon

The Estonian Biathlon Federation launched a long-term sustainability transformation programme using the IBU World Cup Otepää 2026 as a real-life laboratory to design, test and validate a Sustainability Management System aligned with ISO 20121. Rather than focusing on isolated environmental initiatives, the project integrated sustainability into the entire event lifecycle: planning, delivery and post-event evaluation. The programme combined environmental responsibility, community engagement, regional development and responsible governance into one coherent management framework. Key initiatives included renewable energy solutions, carbon-neutral heating, sustainable transport, reusable service systems, local food sourcing, youth education programmes and the promotion of South Estonian cultural heritage.

NF Sweden - From Carbon Accounting to Athlete-Led Climate Action

The Swedish Biathlon Federation is building an athlete-driven climate leadership model based on science-based carbon accounting. The work follows four steps. First, they quantified their emissions through a complete greenhouse gas inventory covering three fiscal years and all major operations within the federation. Second, they established a science-based reduction pathway and carbon budget. Third, they will engage athletes, coaches and partners through workshops and education. Finally, athletes will be matched with sustainability topics and partners where they can contribute to real-world emissions reductions. Before asking athletes and partners to act, SSSF quantified its own emissions and established a science-based reduction pathway. The ambition is to transform climate data into practical action, reduce emissions from the federation's operations and help safeguard the future of biathlon.

OC Oslo/Holmenkollen: Dream Day – Team Pølsa at the BMW IBU World Cup Holmenkollen 2026

A total of 7,500 schoolchildren were invited to Dream Day in Holmenkollen for an unforgettable experience when the final of Team Pølsa Season 2 took place during the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup. Through the TV series Team Pølsa Season 2, six young para-athletes were given the opportunity to compete in a biathlon race at a World Cup venue in front of thousands of schoolchildren and spectators.

They combined sport, learning and community, and developed an educational programme on inclusion, friendship and achievement that was made available to schools throughout Norway. The initiative provided students with meaningful learning activities that connected academic content, values and personal experiences, both in the classroom and at Holmenkollen.

OC Oslo/Holmenkollen: Winners Woodland

In 2026, Holmenkollen Skifestival partnered with Trefadder to introduce a new and sustainable prize concept for the athletes. The top six athletes in each competition received a specially designed birdhouse engraved with their name, placing, and event. In addition, each winner was presented with a beautifully illustrated coffee table book that combines stunning forest photography with scientific insights into the importance of intact ecosystems and biodiversity conservation.

The birdhouses will be installed along the Holmenkollen trail network, with their locations made accessible to the public through a digital platform. Furthermore, 10 square metres of old-growth forest will be permanently protected on behalf of each winner. As an extension of the initiative, research-based insect hotels are also being developed to improve habitats for pollinators and other essential insect species.

OC Ruhpolding: Fan Travel

For the BMW IBU World Cup Ruhpolding 2026, the organizing committee introduced a new sustainable mobility initiative by integrating free regional rail travel into all valid event tickets. Spectators and accredited volunteers were able to travel free of charge on Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) services between Munich, Traunstein and Ruhpolding throughout the event period.

The initiative was designed to reduce car dependency, lower transport-related emissions and make sustainable travel the easiest and most attractive option for visitors attending the event.