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Longines EEF Series

Sustainability

Striving for a Greener Future

In an era marked by environmental awareness and a growing commitment to sustainable practices, the assessment of event sustainability has gained paramount importance. Event organizers, stakeholders, and participants are increasingly recognizing the significance of minimizing the ecological footprint of events, whether they are large-scale conferences, festivals, trade shows, or community gatherings. A comprehensive event sustainability assessment serves as a pivotal tool in achieving this goal, aligning events with the broader global sustainability agenda.

EEF has developed an Event Sustainability Tool which is available on the link below. 

EVENT SUSTAINABILITY ASSESMENT TOOL

The LES Sustainability Survey, developed in 2023 using the Event Sustainability Tool and based on the principles and best practices outlined in the EEF Green Code of Conduct, marked the first step towards a more sustainable future.

  • Governance & Reporting
  • Energy & Fuel Consumption
  • Water Use
  • Supply Chain
  • Waste Management

In 2024, the survey was conducted at 9 LES Events, 6 Regional Qualifiers, the 2 Semi-finals and the Final.

Overview

1. Organisers:

  • Two National Federations (NFs) and seven companies are responsible for organising the events.

2. Venue Types:

  • Six permanent venues, two temporary venues (arena/stables only), and one mixed facility are used.
  • Nine competition arenas are designated for LES events, with surfaces including one grass and eight sand arenas.

3. Participation:

  • Average number of athletes per event: 135.7
  • Average number of horses per event: 238.3.

4. Spectator Attendance:

  • Attendance ranges from 1,500 to 50,000 with an average of 9,227 spectators per event.

5. Sponsorship and VIP Provisions:

  • All events (9/9) provide designated areas for sponsorship stands.
  • VIP seating capacity ranges from 210 to 850, with an average of 287.7 VIP seats.

 

6. Event Integration:

  • LES events are often hosted alongside other competitions, such as CSIs or extended events like Mannheim Dressage and Para Dressage (additional two days).

 

7. Expertise:

  • All Organisers are experienced in equestrian events, managing specialised equestrian shows.

Governance & Reporting

The Survey Questionnaire explores the following areas of an LES Event

  • Person Responsible for Sustainability Matters
  • Environmental Policies & Procedures
  • Monitoring & Measuring environmental metrics
  • Targets and reporting on progress
  • Measures for continual improvement

Most LES Events Organisers have appointed a person responsible for sustainability
The majority of the OCs try to act in an environmental-friendly way , but these actions are not part of plan 

Highlights

  • Environmental Policy: Adopted or planned by 5 venues, highlighting a focus on managing environmental impact. 2 out of 5 venues follow the plan provided by the local authorities.
  • Zero Waste and Water Usage Reduction Plans:

    5 out of 9 have these plans, showing a proactive approach to resource management.

  • Reporting: MANNHEIM publishes a sustainability report in accordance with selected GRI standards, standing out as the only venue aligning with internationally recognized sustainability reporting guidelines.
  • Certifications: BUDAPEST has both ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications, showcasing a commitment to certified management systems for safety and environmental standards.

Energy & Fuel consumption

The Survey Questionnaire explores the following areas of an LES Event

  • Adoption of energy and fuel efficiency practices
  • Promotion of environmental-friendly solutions in transports of people & material
  • Exploitation of natural resources
  • Monitoring the consumption

Facts:

  • Show schedule maximize the use of daylight. 100%
  • Use of local material and products to minimize the transport distance 80%
  • LED Lighting in common use areas, stables etc. 73%
  • Eco-friendly means of transport are used to move in venue (bicycles, electric vehicles, etc.) 62%

  • Renewable technologies installed on venue (e.g. solar panels for trucks, hot water produced by solar water heaters). 60%

  • Air cooling by using passive cooling solutions 60%
  • Presence-controlled, time-controlled lighting in common areas. 56%

  • Efficient shuttle service schedule with buses or vans that minimize the need to use private cars. 51%

  • Accommodation for riders/grooms/officials provided in venue or in walking distance from the venue. 47%

  • Electric or Hybrid cars are used for the transportation of participants. 27%

Highlights

  • MANNHEIM leads with a total score of 57, showing a comprehensive adoption of energy efficiency and fuel-reducing practices, by utilizing renewable technologies and offering accommodation and eco-friendly transportation options.
  • LUXEMBOURG powered its event with zero-emission electricity using a Hydrogen Power Generator and used Electric Vans exclusively for all transportation services.
  • 7 out of 9 venues have installed solar panels, indicating a commitment to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures
  • 5 out of 9 venues show a commitment to reducing transportation-related emissions by providing accommodation within walking distance and offering shuttle services or eco-friendly transportation.
  • 2 OC’s have persons in charge to control fuel and energy use.

Water consumption

The Survey Questionnaire explores the following areas of an LES Event

  • Which efficiency practices have been adopted ?
  • Is the conservation of water promoted and taken under consideration before/during the event?

Facts:

  • Water usage is not measured
  • Rainwater/Recycled water is used for the maintenance of the arenas
  • Time-controlled showers and low flushing toilets, are popular measure for reducing the water usage in sport facilities
  • Signage is a popular measure to promote the responsible use of water
  • The majority of Organizers consider the need of watering when planning the event

Highlights

  • Rainwater collection systems are used in 8 out of 9 venues, widely supporting arena maintenance
  • Show schedules minimize water use for arena maintenance in 8 venues.
  • Time-controlled showers and low-flushing toilets are implemented in 90% of venues, promoting efficient water use.

  • Water consumption monitoring is implemented in 4 venues.

Manage supply chain

The Survey Questionnaire explores the following areas of an LES Event

  • Catering services
  • Timber and forestry products
  • Eco-friendly or Fairtrade material.
  • After-use of the necessary material

Facts:

  • Catering services comply with the national requirements of each country
  • It is difficult to provide drinkable water from fountains/dispensers in outdoor events.
  • Organizers reuse, share or rent the events’ material also to reduce costs

Highlights

  • All venues use Fairtrade, local, or organic plants and flowers, ensuring they are composted, planted, or donated after the event.
  • Venues prioritize sharing, renting, or donating materials like jumping equipment, signage, and decorations to maximize reuse.
  • Many venues collaborate with local events to repurpose materials for future editions.

  • Catering services at most venues actively avoid single-use items such as straws, disposable cutlery, and packaging.

  • 70% of the shavings used during events are certified under sustainable forestry schemes like FSC or PEFC.

Waste management

The Survey Questionnaire explores the following areas of an LES Event

  • Waste produced by horses
  • Other waste management

Facts:

  • Horse manure is used for producing fertilizers by certified companies that are responsible for the removal and transport from the venues.

  • Recycling is driven by national requirements and people is familiar with the principles of waste management

     

Highlights

  • All venues ensure manure is collected in designated areas to prevent water contamination and environmental pollution.
  • All venues collaborate with certified companies for manure removal in compliance with environmental guidelines.
  • 90% of venues design competition materials and signage to be refused in future events.
  • 80% of venues provide bins for sorting recyclable materials such as paper, glass, plastic and aluminium.
  • 70% of venues use refill taps or drinking water fountains to minimize plastic bottle usage.
  • 43% of venues display signs encouraging grooms, athletes and spectators to recycle.