GAME-CHANGING CITIES: RETHINKING URBAN LIFE THROUGH THE LENS OF SPORTS
CITIES
Inspired by Paul Hawken's vision in Regeneration: Ending the climate crisis in one generation, we've launched "Regeneration Revolution: Sport’s Solutions to Helping End the Climate Crisis." This series highlights how sports can be a dynamic force in addressing the climate crisis, with a keen focus on the nine core areas explored in Hawken's book: Cities, Food, People, Energy, Industry, Forests, Land, Wilding, and Oceans.
Cities, and the 4.3 billion people who occupy them, play a significant role in depleting the world’s resources at breakneck speed. For the world to thrive, Hawken believes that cities need to be the principal driver of regenerative practices. This involves:
Creating net-zero cities.
Constructing and upgrading buildings where sustainability is prioritized.
Encouraging urban farming and nature within cities.
Promoting the concept of the "15-minute city," where daily necessities and services are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.
Relooking urban mobility, moving away from cars to sustainable forms of transport.
Advocating for carbon architecture.
As sports functions as a microcosm of society, it holds the potential to actively raise awareness and champion sustainable urban principles.
HOW IS THE SPORTS
INDUSTRY RESPONDING?
Major sports events, and the construction and infrastructure required to deliver them, serve as powerful showcases for sustainable urban design possibilities. These events have the potential to help shape the smart cities of the future.
MAJOR EVENTS AND CITY INFRASTRUCTURE
The hosting of major global sports events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games is often used as a way to prioritize major infrastructure upgrades in a city.
By way of example, the Paris 2024 Olympic bid proposal included a long-term vision to use the Games as a catalyst to phase out vehicles as part of its plans to create the 15-minute city. This will see Paris become a collection of self-sufficient communities clustered around vital amenities within a 15-minute walk for every citizen.
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The Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington is a beacon of sustainability, setting the standard for eco-friendly stadiums worldwide.
With a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions, the arena harnesses 100% renewable energy from on-site solar panels and off-site wind and solar farms. Water conservation measures and comprehensive waste management programs minimize environmental impact.
The arena's construction incorporates sustainable materials, including locally-sourced timber and low-carbon concrete, while maximizing natural light penetration through its translucent roof. Encouraging sustainable transportation options, the arena's strategic location near public transit and ample bike parking promote reduced carbon emissions.
SPORTS AND DEVELOPMENT RECLAIMING CITY SPACES
Collaboration between cities, grassroots sports, and urban organizations can bring about lasting positive change to urban environments.
Through such partnerships, neglected public spaces can be identified and converted into communal areas that foster a sense of belonging, promote physical activity, and improve urban infrastructure. The High Line on the West Side of Manhattan is an example of this, where a former railway line was converted into a mile-long walkway that is now a popular place for runners and walkers and offers a place for locals to view art, experience a performance, or enjoy a meal.
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Eco Park, the new Forest Green Rovers 5,000-seater stadium currently under construction, is being built almost entirely from wood. It will have the lowest carbon footprint of any football stadium in the world and will generate over 80% of its energy requirement on-site through wind and solar. In addition, over 2km of hedgerows, 500 trees, wetlands, and the return of the canal will see a 12% improvement in the natural biodiversity at the stadium precinct. The stadium will also offer excellent walking, cycling, and public transport in keeping with modern smart city design and will be a catalyst for sustainable business opportunities in the area.
WHAT CAN WE TAKE AWAY FROM THIS?
Although the physical foundations of sports are inextricably linked to climate change, the industry has seen a great increase in impetus to prioritize sustainable infrastructure practices, laying the groundwork for the regenerative cities of the future.
The following five key learnings can be applied to the sports industry to take the much needed first steps toward promoting sustainable cities through sports.
Set Sustainable Goals:
Sports brands and properties can take inspiration from the concept of creating net-zero cities to establish ambitious sustainability targets, reducing their environmental footprint and contributing toward the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Prioritize Eco-Friendly Venue Construction:
Sports properties should prioritize sustainability in stadium construction and upgrades, the incorporation of renewable materials, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly designs to showcase what is possible and drive immediate results within their local communities.
Advocate for Sustainable Transportation:
Sports events and brands can actively promote eco-friendly transportation options to sports games and events – such as public transit and cycling – to reduce carbon emissions and congestion while promoting healthier lifestyles and improving air quality for local communities.
Showcase Sustainable Urban Design:
Major sports events serve as powerful showcases for sustainable urban design, demonstrating how cities can follow suit and embrace eco-conscious practices and innovative planning beyond the context of sports.
Community Engagement and Urban Revitalization:
Collaboration between sports, urban organizations, and cities can lead to the reclamation of neglected public spaces for communal use, promoting physical activity, art, and social interaction while improving urban infrastructure.
When we collaborate with purpose, we can build a better future for everyone. At 17 Sport, we believe the sports industry can and must play a vital role in the regenerative transformation of our cities — and we’re excited to see how sports can continue to pave the way.
ABOUT 17 SPORT
17 Sport exists to help businesses use the power of sport to build a more positive future for the world whilst accomplishing commercial goals.
Founded in 2020, our name is inspired by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and is anchored to SDG 17 and our profound belief in the power of partnerships. Based in 7 different countries on 3 continents, our global team of experts comprises individuals who have been at the forefront of the purpose revolution in sports and business for the last 15 years.
To find out how 17 Sport can help you activate your purpose through sports to help address the climate crisis, reach out to info@17-sport.com for a one on one consultation with one of our experts.
