FIBA backs UN efforts to keep the planet safe

FIBA has joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Sports for Climate Action initiative as a signatory of the Sports for Climate Action Framework.

The United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework aims to help sports organizations reduce emissions caused by their operations and leverage the worldwide popularity of sport to engage millions of fans in the effort.

By signing the Framework, FIBA is demonstrating its commitment to playing a role in ensuring that the sports sector is on the path to a low-carbon future.

FIBA President, Hamane Niang said: “Joining this initiative is an important step for FIBA and with it, we express our intent to implement the principles ingrained in the Framework and commit to working collaboratively with our peers and relevant stakeholders to develop, implement and enhance the climate action agenda in sports.

“We have a responsibility as an International Federation to inspire a wider societal change that embraces a low-carbon future and keeps the planet safe for future generations.”

FIBA Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis said: “I am very pleased to confirm that FIBA supports the vision outlined in the Sports for Climate Action Framework developed by the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee.

“FIBA’s commitment to ecological sustainability dates back to 2011 when we started the construction of our Headquarters, using state of the art low energy heating and cooling systems as well as solar energy.”

FIBA’s global headquarters located in Mies, Switzerland, otherwise known as the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball, is certified with the label Minergie Eco, which is the highest energy standard in Switzerland for low-energy houses and sustainable construction. It represents one of only 600 buildings in Switzerland with that label.

In addition, FIBA and its regional offices around the globe recently underwent measurements of their 2019 carbon footprint due to business activities, which include energy consumption, mobility, hotel and board of all its staff. They will each offset their CO2 emissions to become carbon neutral. FIBA will further strengthen its activities for its global and continental events to establish stricter regulations with the aim to have its major events carbon neutral by 2050, as part of this commitment.

Marie Sallois, International Olympic Committee Director for Sustainability said: “We are excited to welcome FIBA among the other 130 plus signatories of the UN Sports For Climate Action Framework. The growing number of sports organizations that have joined the Framework since its launch in 2018 shows that the sports community treats the climate emergency very seriously. The Framework allows us to jointly create an action plan for the sports world to help address climate change in the most impactful way possible.”

A United Nations Climate Change Initiative, the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, was co-developed by the International Olympic Committee and launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2018. It calls on the sports community to jointly develop a climate action agenda for sport by adhering to five principles: promoting greater environmental responsibility, reducing overall climate impact, educating for climate action, promoting sustainable and responsible consumption, and advocating for climate action through communication.

Just over 130 sports organizations have joined the Framework so far, including numerous International Sports Federations and the Organising Committees for the next three Olympic Games editions: Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022 and Paris 2024.