IBU Sustainability Awards 2025

The IBU Sustainability Award was established by the IBU in 2021 to promote impactful and replicable sustainability and climate actions implemented successfully by the IBU event hosts and national federations. Its goal is to highlight the organising committees’ and national federations contributions to the aims of the IBU Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030, across the five different Focus Areas: Climate, Sport, Venue & Event, People, and Communication & Awareness. Below you can find the 3 shortlisted submissions in the running for the Award in 2025.

FRENCH NATIONAL FEDERATION – Impact and transition strategy of the French National Ski Federation

• The French Biathlon Federation has developed an ambitious sustainability strategy addressing seven key areas, with gender equality as one of its pillars.

• They launched a strategic 10-year plan including a circular economy guide for ski equipment and a sustainability awareness campaign involving over 800 participants.

• Their efforts include a double materiality assessment, 400+ work hours, and dedicated involvement from athletes and board members.

• The federation emphasizes replicable tools and inclusive governance to promote gender equity and sustainability across all levels.

GERMAN NATIONAL FEDERATION – E-Learning module “Sustainability and Environment”

• The German Ski Federation developed a free, competency-based e-learning module titled “Sustainability and Environment” for grassroots ski instructors, promoting environmental awareness and responsible behavior.

• The 45-minute core module is open access and already integrated into official training programs across Germany, reaching nearly 200 participants since launch in late 2024.

• The action reflects a broader sustainability strategy and expands DSV’s impact beyond elite sport by educating local instructors as multipliers for sustainable behavior in their communities.

• With plans to expand to other target groups and adapt content to new sustainability challenges, the initiative strengthens gender-inclusive grassroots education in line with long-term climate goals.

NORWEGIAN NATIONAL FEDERATION – Reducing Food Waste through Education and Action at Norwegian Biathlon Events

• The Norwegian Biathlon Association partnered with Matvett to launch an e-learning course and toolkit aimed at reducing food waste at biathlon events.

• Over 700 volunteers and organizers were educated through the programme, which will become mandatory for all food coordinators at national events from 2025.

• The action is part of NSSF’s broader sustainability strategy and supports key IBU targets including climate action and sustainable event operations.

• The initiative focuses on practical, low-threshold education and is supported by data tracking, partnerships with local charities, and wide internal and external communication efforts.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE LENZERHEIDE - Lenzi – the Capercaillie as Ambassador for Sustainability

• Mascot-led Sustainability Education: “Lenzi”, a capercaillie mascot, connects elite sport with biodiversity protection through comics, school activities, and immersive event experiences.

• Community & Youth Engagement: Local school children painted start numbers and acted as environmental ambassadors, while “Lenzi’s living room” taught fans about habitat conservation.

• Regional Collaboration: The project transformed conflict with environmental groups into cooperation by placing conservation at the heart of event planning.

• Long-term Vision: Plans include educational toolkits, a mobile conservation station, and digital platforms to extend Lenzi’s message beyond the 2025 World Championships.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Otepää – Sustainable catering – local, fresh, delicious

• Sustainable Catering System: Otepää introduced a sustainable procurement process for catering with a focus on local, high-quality food, reusable tableware, and clear waste separation—saving ~3,500 single-use sets.

• Green Energy & Waste Reduction: All event venues used zero-emission green energy, and waste sent to disposal was reduced by one-third compared to previous events.

• Holistic Implementation: The initiative was embedded in a broader sustainability strategy with 400 trained staff and volunteers, supported by national and local stakeholders.

• Future Commitment: Plans include a nature-based training camp, reusable equipment investments, and the creation of a "Green Fund" to scale sustainable practices across events.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Pokljuka – Children of Triglav on Pokljuka – in collaboration with Eco-Schools

• “Children of Triglav on Pokljuka” is a long-standing sustainability and education initiative engaging 22,000+ Slovenian schoolchildren with climate and environmental topics through food, culture, and sport.

• In 2024/25, the 10th edition included a food sustainability challenge, digital recipe book, cheering choreographies, and recycled fan banners, linking biathlon with healthy living and climate education.

• The initiative partnered with Eco-Schools and reached 203 schools, including those supporting children with special needs, promoting inclusivity, waste reduction, and hands-on climate action.

• The action is embedded in Slovenia's national sustainability strategy and continues to grow through digital tools, new partnerships, and year-round educational programming.