Each week, we bring together stories from around the world that can inspire those seeking to amplify the power of sport in support of responsible environmental policies.

This week, we examine initiatives from Wimbledon in Tennis and the LPGA Dow Championship in golf, as well as the Impact League in Sail GP and a new appointment in the Green space by Howth Yacht Club. Additionally, we address concerns over the carbon footprint that the FIFA World Cup will create next year.

Wimbledon Goes Full Green

Wimbledon has implemented a comprehensive sustainability overhaul to reduce its environmental impact. Avocados have been replaced with crushed British-grown peas, salmon with British trout, and traditional cream with a plant-based alternative. Kitchens are being electrified—30 of 42 sites have transitioned off gas—and solar-heated showers have been installed for players. Leftover fruit is repurposed into jams, and unsold food is donated to City Harvest. This multifaceted green initiative represents a significant shift in tournament operations, aiming to set a global standard for sustainable sports events.

FIFA 2026 World Cup Faces Carbon Footprint Concerns

The 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is projected to produce 3.7 million tonnes of CO₂, with approximately 85% of the emissions stemming from travel. FIFA has pledged to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2040. However, critics argue that the governing body lacks transparency and continues to partner with fossil fuel sponsors, undermining confidence in its sustainability commitments.

LPGA and Dow Launch the Dow Impact Award

Introduced at the Dow Championship on June 26, 2025, the Dow Impact Award recognises LPGA players who demonstrate excellence on the course and leadership in innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. The award includes a US$25,000 prize plus a matching charitable donation. Nominees include Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, Jennifer Kupcho (who played with Leona Maguire in the Championship last week), Gaby Lopez, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang, emphasising a growing trend of athlete-driven social and environmental impact.

SailGP’s “Impact League” Gains Momentum

SailGP’s sustainability-focused Impact League ranks teams on carbon reduction, gender equity, youth engagement, and more. The top three teams receive prize money earmarked for their sustainability partners, reinforcing the series’ commitment to measurable environmental and social performance. This innovative integration of impact metrics into competition continues to grow, with recent events further demonstrating the league’s model for eco-conscious sport.

Howth Yacht Club Appoints First Environment Officer (from Sport for Business)

Howth Yacht Club has appointed Sarah Robertson as Ireland’s first-ever sailing club Environmental Officer. With ~20 years of environmental consultancy experience and degrees in Marine Environmental Protection and Environmental Engineering, Robertson will spearhead initiatives to improve ecological stewardship, biodiversity, and sustainable marine practices at the club. She’ll engage members, youth programs, and the wider community, linking up with national conservation efforts—marking a landmark step for Ireland’s club-level sailing toward sustainability.

 

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