The AOC's commitment to sustainability has been rewarded with an IOC Carbon Action Award.
The AOC is one of seven National Olympic Committees to receive recognition for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after providing detailed data and the AOC’s carbon reduction plan.
As a signatory to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework, the AOC has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040.
AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says the future of sport globally requires action on sustainability and Olympic sports have an important role to play.
“We have taken practical action to reduce our footprint, established ways of measuring our progress towards our goals and clearly we have a role in advocating for change among our 45 members sports.
“Some of our sports are well advanced, while others, like the AOC itself, are in the early stages of what we are doing.
“However, receiving this award from the IOC is wonderful recognition that in a short space of time, the AOC is taking positive and practical action for the regeneration of our natural environment through our Sustainability Action Plan.
“There are many simple steps we are able to take including reducing the scale and waste in relation to Team uniforms including recycling and donating uniforms that are surplus. Other practical steps relate to travel, catering and best practice in our day to day office management to reduce waste.
“As we look to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, the AOC is working with all stakeholders to deliver a climate positive, sustainable and resilient Games.
“Sport is intrinsic to the fabric of Australian community and Australian life. It contributes to our health and wellbeing, strengthens our economy, promotes social harmony and community pride.
“The impact of climate change jeopardises the capacity of sport to fulfil the critical role in achieving these outcomes,” Mr Carroll concluded.
The AOC has established a Sustainability Advisory Working Group within the organisation to assist in the development of its ongoing practical action while a full-time resource will ensure key stakeholders such as athletes, national federations, corporate partners and employees are aligned and informed.
