The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has further reinforced its commitment to integrating sustainability principles by launching the ITU Sustainability Commission, with its members coming from all five continents.
An ITU Sustainable Policy Document, a guide to the best social, environmental and financial practice for the wider triathlon community, set to be released in spring next year, will be the first key project of the commission.
ITU recognises that sustainability is not only about ecological conservation, but is about attaining balance. The organisation believes that the triathlon community has a responsibility to care for and protect the environment in which we operate today and in the future.
The new ITU Sustainability Commission will play a vital role to advocate sustainability principles and to lead those in the sport to take action.
Initially, the commission will focus on sustainable best practice in: Green Offices, Buying Policy, Communication, Responsible Mobility, Waste Management, Water Management, Power, Noise, and Education.
The forthcoming policy document is to give specifications on these areas, which will be fully mobilised in ITU Triathlon events in the coming years.
Members of the ITU Sustainability Commission are:
• Africa: Dr Siku Jagun (Nigeria)
• Americas: Gerardo Zetina (Mexico)
• Asia: Chen, Xiaoran (China)
• Europe: Ian Braid (Great Britain)
• Oceania: Terry Sheldrake (New Zealand)
• Athletes’ Committee: Jessica Harrison (France)
• Staff Liaison: Enrique Quesada
• Executive Board Liaison: Loreen Barnett (ITU Secretary General)
“It is crucial for ITU to take the lead in environmental awareness in international sport as the planet itself is our competition venue,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member.
“ITU is fully committed to improving the environmental impact of how we operate across all our business activities and will encourage our members and other stakeholders in the wider triathlon community to collaborate with us in this commitment.”
