World Netball (WN) has confirmed its commitment to working towards a Net Zero target of 2040, paving the way for a more sustainability-conscious Netball Family.
As a first step towards achieving this goal, WN is delighted to announce that it has joined the United Nations (UN) Sport for Climate Action Community and partnered with Net Zero Group (NZG).
The partnership with NZG, a Climate-Technology business that helps companies measure, reduce, offset and communicate their carbon footprint, will see WN commit to measuring and reducing their internal carbon footprint.
NZG will also assist WN in leveraging its influence to engage individuals, organisations, and businesses in carbon measurement and reduction through carbon footprint calculators and will provide specialised training to WN staff on carbon reporting and the intersection of sport and sustainability, empowering the WN HQ to integrate sustainability principles into their decision-making processes.
In addition to this, through joining the UN’s Sport for Climate Action Community WN has agreed to begin measuring its GHG emissions within the next six months, submit a Climate Action Plan within the next 12 months, have a 50% emission reduction by 2030 and be Net Zero by 2040.
WN recognises that as an international governing body it has a significant responsibility when it comes to sustainability and is therefore currently in the process of creating a sustainability strategy that will align with the goals set out by the UN and its three core strategies: To GROW, to PLAY, and to INSPIRE.
NZG will help WN achieve these goals and support with the development of a sustainability strategy.
Speaking on the importance of these two new partnerships WN President, Dame Liz Nicholl DBE, said: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with the Net Zero Group and the United Nations, in our bid to create a better world through netball.
“As an organisation we are aware that environmental sustainability issues are already affecting our sport through storms, droughts, fires and rising sea levels, with some of our Members experiencing these impacts first hand.
“Therefore, meaningful action is required, and we are committed to playing our part in this.”
Mark Hammond, Managing Director from NZG added: “It is important to recognise the interconnectedness of sports and the climate crisis, and there is a growing movement within the sports industry to address environmental sustainability.
“We are proud to partner with an organisation that takes environmental sustainability seriously and look forward to aiding World Netball in advancing its sustainability goals.
“We hope to demonstrate that sports can be a powerful vehicle for driving positive environmental change.
“Together we aspire to engage netball fans from all over the world in reducing their carbon footprint.”
To keep updated on all the latest news and advancements in this area make sure you are following WN on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and NZG on LinkedIn.