Italy’s Politecnico di Torino has signed a five-year agreement with consultancy AWE Sport to work on initiatives to improve the environmental footprint of major sports events through education and innovation.
The agreement will see the bodies collaborating on a range of projects including the definition and development of a ‘greenness certificate’ to be awarded to events which meet set ecological and environmental criteria.
The initiative will also involve architects Camerana & Partners, who will add their expertise in the development of facilities which integrate technology and nature to reduce energy consumption create a positive environmental impact.
Camerana & Partners designed the museums for Juventus, Alfa Romeo, and Ferrari; and the renowned Olympic Arch of Turin.
The agreement will drive the development of joint research to promote innovation and education in planning and delivering major sport events, based on reduced energy and water consumption, reduced CO2 emissions, integration of renewable energy sources and recyclability.
AWE will help Politecnico di Torino to develop high-level courses which include hands-on experience for students during major events, producing a new generation of sports sector professionals with in-demand skillsets.
Guido Saracco, rector of Politecnico di Torino, said: “Through this partnership we intend to develop professionals capable of combining research and technology transfer with environmental protection and sustainability. We will have the opportunity to support the growth and evolution of sport and major events, addressing fundamental issues for the growth and wellness of our society.”
Romy Gai, chairman of AWE International, added: “This project is born with the vision of creating a positive social footprint in the sport industry through the search for sustainability.
“Today economic and social sustainability are interrelated and, crucially for the future of our system, must be linked with environmental sustainability. What has happened in recent months has changed the usual paradigms and highlighted the necessity of a sustainable approach for major sport events.”
