Viessmann IBU Climate Club Trophy uncovers great sustainability work at biathlon clubs

Viessmann and IBU joined forces to create the Viessmann IBU Climate Club Trophy to honor outstanding sustainability initiatives implemented by biathlon clubs worldwide. The IBU reached out to the Biathlon Family to identify current sustainable practices. Based on the multiple submissions received, the work of four Biathlon Clubs was explored in detailed case studies to promote their sustainable engagement and share any lessons learned. The Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont, USA, Sports Club Biathlon Mania in Slovakia, UKS Kamieńczyk in Poland, and Deutscher Alpenverein (DAV) Ulm in Germany all provided insight into their engagement for a more sustainable future.

Craftsbury Outdoor Center (COC)

The Craftsbury Outdoor Center (COC) in Vermont is a non-profit organization with a mission to support lifelong sports participation, teach sustainable practices, and protect the surrounding land, lake, and trails. COC aims to be a model for sustainability, conservation, education, and stewardship in its community by minimizing ecological impact, conserving energy, and raising awareness through various initiatives. To achieve its goal, COC uses solar panels, sustainable heating systems, EV charging stations, and promotes sustainability through educational programs. However, the organization faces challenges due to climate change, requiring innovative snow solutions, and aims to transition to more energy-efficient systems for transportation and grooming. Future plans include installing more solar panels, transitioning vehicles to electric ones, retrofitting buildings, and expanding sustainability-related programming and outreach.

To read the full case study see:

Case Study Craftsbury Outdoor Center

Sports Club Biathlon Mania

Sport Club Biathlon Mania, located in Slovakia near Banská Bystrica, stands out for its innovative approach to developing young athletes aged 6 to 15. Founded by former elite biathlete Dušan Šimočko, the club uses laser rifles to teach shooting skills, resulting in reduced ecological impact and significant cost savings. The club's main initiatives besides the laser rifles for training, are using a 15-seater bus for transportation, and creating hand-made medals from old air rifle cartridges. The club's success has led to plans for expanding its age range, and a group of volunteers is exploring fundraising initiatives to enable older children to remain part of the club.

To read the full case study see:

Case Study Sports Club Biathlon Mania

UKS Kamieńczyk

The School Children Sport Club Kamienczyk (UKS Kamieńczyk) in partnership with the Karkonoski National Park and National Forestry is committed to fighting for a better tomorrow through sustainability initiatives. Emphasizing education and collaboration with its young members aged 7-15, the club aims to create lasting habits and inspire others to embrace sustainability. Addressing various IBU sustainability issues, the club participates in reforestation and clean-up actions, recycles lead ammunition shells, promotes sustainable food practices, and focuses on waste reduction, separation, and recycling. Initiatives like the Active Giving app and banning single-use plastics demonstrate its dedication to raising awareness and engaging members in eco-friendly practices.

To read the full case study see:

Case Study UKS Kamieńczyk

DAV Ulm

DAV Ulm´s goal is to pursue measures that are environmentally friendly, economically sound, and beneficial for the sport. Faced with snowless winters due to climate change, DAV Ulm has focused on roller skiing and invested in its biathlon training center, growing its youth talent pool. To mitigate its own climate impact, the club has an operational sustainability strategy including water harvesting for snowmaking, lead bullet collection, energy-efficient buildings with air source heat pumps and a planned photovoltaic system as well as bus-sharing with partners to reduce emissions from travel. The club's emphasis on sustainability, roller skiing courses, and elite talent development has contributed to increased membership and grassroots participation in the region.

To read the full case study see:

Case Study Ulm

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