We can today reveal the transformational impact of our Sustainability Accelerator Programme, the largest multi-sport sustainability initiative ever delivered globally.
Launched in 2023, the programme has achieved groundbreaking change in the British Olympic and Paralympic system – with sports now feeling more equipped to take action on sustainability*.
According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it is the largest multi-sport sustainability initiative ever conducted by a national sports body.
A flagship initiative of our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the Accelerator demonstrates a bold and collaborative approach to protecting the future of Olympic and Paralympic sport in this country.
Key findings from a survey of participating National Governing Bodies (NGBs) show*:
• 80% now view sustainability as a pillar of long-term success;
• 100% feel more equipped to take meaningful action on sustainability;
• 80% see sustainability as a commercial driver, not a cost;
• 40% have introduced new sustainability policies including travel, procurement and events.
Head of Sustainability for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Julie Duffus said: “This is the first initiative of its kind that we’ve seen from a national sports body and a powerful example of how a high-performance multi-sport system can come together to drive collective action on climate. By supporting the Olympic and Paralympic sports under its umbrella to embed sustainability into their strategies, UK Sport is showing real leadership. We hope it inspires other federations and committees around the world to follow suit.”
Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport, said: “Sport is already feeling the effects of climate change, from flooded pitches to extreme heat impacting athletes and events. But this programme shows what’s possible when sport comes together around a shared ambition, and the response from the NGBs has been incredible. It’s a powerful reminder that, with the right support, high-performance sport can reduce its impact, build resilience, and drive meaningful progress on climate action.”
British rower Imogen Grant MBE, Olympic gold medallist at Paris 2024 and IOC Climate Action Award Winner, said: "Teamwork is a cornerstone of elite sport, on and off the field of play. This project shows that sport can lead the way in taking climate action, by sharing knowledge and driving innovation. This is a fantastic beginning of a collective commitment to ensure the future of sport and our planet for many generations to come."
Delivered in partnership with Useful Projects and Sporting Giants, the programme provided hands-on support to help NGBs calculate their carbon footprint, create sustainability action plans, and participate in expert-led masterclasses.
The programme was funded by us on behalf of the NGBs, removing cost and skills barriers so that all governing bodies regardless of size could fully engage in climate action.
Collaboration has been a defining feature of the programme, bringing together sports of all sizes from British Rowing and British Gymnastics to Boccia UK and British Wrestling. By breaking down silos, the Accelerator has sparked collective action on shared challenges, including high-emission venues and supply chain impacts.
Maggie Still, CEO of British Ice Skating, said: “The programme was incredibly useful. The support team brought skills and knowledge that we hadn’t previously embraced, and helped shine a light on important areas we now recognise as crucial to the future of our sport.”
One of the most promising outcomes of the programme is the early collaboration between NGBs on sustainable kit. While formal announcements are still to come, work is underway to develop a shared approach to kit standards. The aim is to shape best practice across sport and influence the wider clothing industry.
That spirit of collaboration is also spreading beyond the Accelerator. The Clean Water Sports Alliance, a coalition of a dozen sports, including British Triathlon, Paddle UK and Surfing England, is calling for urgent action on pollution and greater recognition of sport in environmental policy.
GB Wheelchair Rugby provides a powerful example of sustainability leadership and was one of the first sports to complete its carbon footprint and integrate sustainability into its strategic plan. The team has embedded environmental responsibility into its culture, delivering sustainability training, identifying like-minded partners, and introducing a system to ensure all policies are reviewed through a sustainability lens.
Daniel Hook, Chief Financial and Operating Officer at GB Wheelchair Rugby, said: “The Sustainability Accelerator has given us the tools, confidence and motivation to lead on sustainability in our sport. We’re a small team, but we’ve shown that leadership doesn’t need to come with size. It comes from commitment.”
The Accelerator is also unlocking partnership opportunities for sports. Several NGBs, including British Rowing, have developed purpose-led partnerships as a direct result of their environmental commitments with all sports now equipped to leverage the commercial potential of sustainability.
The Sustainability Accelerator Programme has acted as a catalyst for positive change across the UK sports sector, building capability, sparking collaboration, and embedding sustainability into the fabric of high-performance sport. It marks the beginning of a long-term shift towards a more resilient, responsible and relevant sporting system.