The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has been shortlisted for the inaugural IOC Climate Action Awards in the innovation category in recognition of the tangible steps the federation has taken to tackle the climate crisis.

The IOC Climate Action Awards are split across three award categories: sustainable travel, innovation and athlete advocacy and recognise the efforts of athletes, International Federations and National Olympic Committees to limit sport’s impact on the climate and inspire others to do the same. The Awards are supported by the Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partners (TOPs) Airbnb, Deloitte and P&G.

The IBU was shortlisted from a pool of 70 applications that the IOC received from across the Olympic Movement. The Climate Action x Innovation Award, supported by Deloitte, recognises how innovation and education drive climate action. The IOC cited the IBU’s creative and innovative support for organising committees in measuring and managing carbon emissions, including through the development of a tailor-made event CO2 footprint calculation tool, as the reason for shortlisting the federation.

IBU President Olle Dahlin said:

"The IBU is very proud to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award and recognised for the work we are doing to promote climate action within the biathlon family. Our Sustainability Strategy is very clear that we want to effect change in the IBU but also influence change across our sport through our events and National Federations. We are grateful to the IOC for acknowledging the work we have done in supporting our organising committees to manage their carbon emissions and we hope the promotion of this initiative can serve to inspire others.”

Photo: IBU archive