Germany’s National Federation introduced biomass heating systems for temporary event infrastructures at the Biathlon World Cups in Oberhof and Ruhpolding, replacing fossil fuel-powered aggregates. The customised systems, which included heat recovery in Ruhpolding, reduced greenhouse gas emissions significantly and cut energy costs by 30%. Regionally sourced wood pellets further supported the local circular economy. Challenges included ensuring stable heating under cold conditions and system adaptation to temporary venues. This initiative showcases how biathlon events can pioneer practical climate-friendly solutions within their direct sphere of influence.

To read the full case study see: Case study NF Germany

The Norwegian Biathlon Association launched its Project Snow Crystal as their contribution to the climate cause. Its goal? That everyone who loves the winter clearly signal their impatience for climate measures and action plans that genuinely help save our winters - and our sport. The Certification company DNV estimates that Norway will only manage to reduce emissions by 25 percent by 2030, rather than the 55 percent they have committed to. At the Norwegian Biathlon Federation, they realized that their responsibility extends beyond crossing the finish line first. That is why they wanted to urge politicians to move faster and develop credible action plans. Norway, as a proud winter nation, should lead the way with climate measures that truly make a difference.

As a following action, the Norwegian NF decided to reduce their own emissions from elite team travel and inspire change across the sport. By replacing flights with buses, committing to no private jets or business class travel, and adjusting logistics for equipment transport, the team cut its World Cup travel footprint more than half, during the first trimester in 2023/24, from 37,5 tonnes CO2 the previous season, to 20,3 tonnes CO2 in 2023/24. The project gained national media attention and set an example for younger athletes and clubs, who are now encouraged to travel more sustainably.

To read the full case study see: Case study NF Norway

At the 2023 Biathlon World Cup in Lenzerheide, organisers took a bold step by integrating free use of Switzerland’s entire public transport network into the event ticket. From 13-18 December, all fans could travel from anywhere in Switzerland directly to the venue without additional cost. This eliminated the need for thousands of car journeys, cut CO₂ emissions in half, and reduced pressure on local infrastructure. Around 60% of visitors used trains, buses, or trams, saving significant parking space and improving accessibility. The initiative not only set new standards for event mobility but also raised awareness for sustainable travel choices. Looking ahead, Lenzerheide will apply similar measures for the 2025 World Championships and complement them with a youth-focused development project.

To read the full case study see: Case study OC Lenzerheide

Holmenkollen Skifestival continued its leadership in sustainability by targeting two key sources of event emissions: transport and heating. Partnering with Renta AS and PelEnergy AB, the OC introduced foldable waxing cabins, reducing truck transport by 80%, and replaced diesel heating in the VIP tent with renewable electricity and pellets, cutting heating emissions by 90%. All smaller tents were heated with renewable electric systems, making the entire site fossil-free. Next, the team aims to pilot mobile heat pumps to move toward a fully emission-free event.

To read the full case study see: Case study OC Oslo

At the 2023 IBU World Championships, OC Oberhof introduced a comprehensive sustainable mobility programme to reduce emissions from fans, staff, and team travel, one of the largest sources of CO2 at major sporting events. Measures included integrating free public transport into event tickets, organising additional fan buses, and running efficient Park+Ride systems with shuttle services to cover the ‘last mile’. Climate- friendly HVO fuel replaced diesel for snow management, cutting emissions by up to 90%. The initiative reduced traffic congestion in Oberhof, made the event more accessible, and achieved significant emission savings. Looking forward, OC Oberhof plans to expand incentives for fans to use low-carbon travel and extend HVO use across all operations.

To read the full case study see: Case Study Oberhof

Since the 2022/23 season, the Biathlon Center Grogg in Martell has been fully powered by renewable energy. A new hydropower plant supplies more than 2.19 million kWh annually, covering all energy needs for snow production, service buildings, and event operations. The venue also introduced woodchip heating, a charging station for electric cars, and measures to reduce waste, such as reusable tableware and digitalised communication. The IBU Junior Cup in December 2022 achieved full GreenEvent certification, recognising Martell’s commitment to sustainability. In summer 2025, solar panels were added on the roof of a new container house, further expanding the green energy supply; electricity that is not used at the Biathlon Center is fed into the public grid. Martell demonstrates how alpine communities can successfully integrate renewable energy and sustainable practices into international biathlon events.

To read the full case study see: Case study Martell

The goal of the project was to demonstrate sustainability and regionality in organizing major sporting events with no or low additional financial input. As a certified "Fair Trade district," the district of Regen/Arberland aimed to showcase how major events like the IBU Open European Biathlon Championships (OECH) 2022 at Arber could be held in harmony with the environment. The approach focused on environmental management, transparency, long-term structures, regional value creation, and public awareness of sustainability. It was achieved by implementing a holistic sustainability strategy, including regional food procurement, engaging local volunteers, exclusive partnerships with regional sponsors, using e-cars for VIP shuttle service, sustainable uniforms, rainwater usage, bamboo cups, regional catering, and reducing plastic usage. The next steps involve installing an e-charging station at the Hohenzollern Ski Stadium to promote sustainable mobility for athletes, coaches, spectators, and visitors.

To read the full case study see: Case Study Arber

The OC Kontiolahti organized its events and operations in a sustainable manner, addressing environmental issues, promoting accessibility and inclusion, creating a tolerant atmosphere, and prioritizing safety. They established the Responsible Kontiolahti program, focusing on three elements: Environmental Sustainability, Inclusion and Accessibility, and Safety. They received an audited EcoCompass certificate for their environmental program and efforts were made to improve accessibility for physically impaired individuals and attract new audiences to the event. They offered specific services for disabled people, free entrance for children under 12, and free tickets for low-income families. The program was developed in collaboration with local, regional, national, and transnational partners. Developing the project further Kontiolahti wants to increase data collection for better tracking, update heaters to use renewable energy sources, and conduct more social inclusion projects, like engaging with Ukrainian refugees living in Kontiolahti.

To read the full case study see: Case Study Kontiolahti

The OC Hochfilzen further developed the sustainability credentials of the Biathlon World Cup in Hochfilzen, building upon a successful and long-standing user agreement with the local club, Austrian Ski Federation, and Austrian Military. They aimed to enhance the event's sustainability by implementing various initiatives, including a sustainable heating system, waste separation, reduction of plastic and paper usage, climate-neutral transport options, and the use of regional products. Challenges faced included obtaining authorization for electric vehicle charging stations within a military area and encouraging all visitors to use climate-neutral shuttle services. As the next steps the OC plans on increasing partnerships with climate-neutral producers and suppliers, incorporating more organic and vegetarian products in catering, installing electric charging stations, and intensifying efforts to promote climate-neutral transport options.

To read the full case study see: Case Study Hochfilzen

The OC Martell aimed to make the Biathlon Martell and other events at the Grogg stadium more sustainable, inspired by the quote "Considering the end in everything you do, that is Sustainability" by Albert Schweitzer. They sought GreenEvent certification to maintain the natural beauty of the Stelvio National Park in the Val Martello Valley. The goal was achieved by identifying areas of impact and implementing measures to meet the GreenEvent certification criteria. OC Martell minimized exhaust emissions and CO2 emissions by incentivizing local accommodations and providing a free shuttle service for teams. They communicated sustainability initiatives to volunteers and staff, addressed accessibility for disabled people, saved energy in snow production, purchased regional and Fair Trade products for catering, implemented waste separation measures, and reduced plastic waste by using recyclable materials. They aim to make sustainability more relatable and see it as an important and sustainable investment.

To read the full case study see: Case Study Martell

The OC Östersund aimed to achieve a "fossil fuel free" Biathlon World Cup in Östersund, driven by the realization that winters were becoming wetter and shorter, posing future challenges. They collaborated with the regional government and local municipality, adopting the ISO 20121 sustainability event management system to devise sustainability strategies for the event. By implementing various initiatives to reduce emissions from international travel, energy usage, and waste production, they transparently communicated their efforts, successfully calculating a carbon footprint and addressing issues related to travel and transport emissions, energy use, sustainability communication, water and energy use for snowmaking, and waste production. However, the main challenges lied in managing international transport and waste separation, prompting the next steps to include installing waste separation racks in team areas and exploring partnerships for electric shuttle fleets, further enhancing their commitment to sustainability.

To read the full case study see: Case Study Östersund

The goal of the Ruhpolding World Cup was to replace diesel generators with a battery system, storing renewable energy from the grid to provide an eco-friendly backup for power supply during TV broadcasting and floodlighting at the Chiemgau Arena, located in a nature reserve. The Big Battery Box, a transportable 20-foot container with lithium-ion batteries, achieved this by utilizing green electricity from photovoltaic, wind power, and a small hydropower plant, resulting in a CO2 emission reduction of approximately 32 tonnes. The initiative successfully addressed the sustainability issue of emissions from energy use for heating, cooling, and power. Coordination was a significant challenge in implementing this innovative technology, but the Ruhpolding OC aims to continue improving the system by developing the stadium's cable infrastructure to accommodate future developments.

To read the full case study see: Case Study Ruhpolding