The International Biathlon Union (IBU) today joined the Race to Zero as the latest step in its ongoing commitment to establishing biathlon as a leader in promoting and upholding the highest standards of sustainability in sport.

The Race to Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors and other organisations to join 120 countries in the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. The IBU joined the campaign as a signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action, which is an official partner of Race to Zero.

IBU President Olle Dahlin said:

Since joining the Sports for Climate Action framework in June 2020, the IBU has moved quickly to introduce a number of measures. The IBU launched its Sustainability Policy in October 2020, which provides the roadmap of the federation’s ten-year Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030. Climate is one of five core focus areas, alongside Sport, Venue and Event, People, and Awareness and Communication.

In November 2020, the IBU was rewarded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World-wide Olympic Partner Dow for its efforts against climate change. To receive the Climate Action Award, the IBU measured its carbon footprint and developed a Carbon Management Plan to reduce its emissions going forward. Key elements of this plan include a sustainable travel policy, a transition toward renewable energy both in mobility and energy consumption, and addressing the climate impact of its supply chain.

In April 2021, the IBU launched the innovative Biathlon Climate Challenge which saw 8,000 fans join one of 10 virtual teams – all led by biathlon stars – to have their physical activity tracked and converted into trees which will be planted by Eden Reforestation Projects. A total of 100,000 trees will be planted in Madagascar as a result of the initiative.

In October 2021, the IBU hosted the first ever gathering of the IBU Snow Network of snow management experts representing all IBU Organising Committees to determine the next steps and a roadmap for a more sustainable future in snow management. Moreover, all IBU events will be measuring and managing their carbon footprint, including spectator travel, from the coming snow season onward.