The European Championships Munich 2022 organisers have launched an event sustainability concept under the banner of ‘Count & Last’ to leave behind a sustainable legacy with climate neutrality one of the main priorities of their two-pillar approach.
The multi-sport European Championships programme which takes place from 11-21 August 2022 is composed of nine sports, most of which will be taking place in existing sport facilities in Munich, underlining Munich's pioneering role as one of the most sustainable Olympic cities in the world.
The athletics programme takes place between 15-21 August inside the city’s famous and iconic Olympic Stadium, the host venue for not only the 2002 European Athletics Championships but also the 1972 Olympic Games. The European Championships Munich 2022 will be the biggest sporting event to take place in the Bavarian capital since those Games.
European Championships Munich 2022 puts vision into practice
To inspire their own vision of Munich 2022, the organisers have created a comprehensive concept that promotes sustainable development in economic, social and ecological spheres which continues the Olympic legacy of 1972.
A key issue is climate neutrality with the other five key topics including waste and littering, reuse of buildings and sports equipment, impact on popular and competitive sports, inclusion and accessibility, and local added value. The six topics include specific plans of action related to the championships and forms the first pillar of ‘Count & Last’.
Care is also being taken to keep CO2 emissions as low as possible during the event by encouraging the use of local public transport to keep the impact on the city and its surroundings as low as possible.
However, unavoidable CO2 emissions are calculated and offset in cooperation with partner ClimatePartner. This is done through a reforestation project in eastern Nicaragua. This certified, internationally recognised climate protection project has reforested 2,361 hectares with more than a million plants of a native bamboo species and protects 1,000 hectares of old forest.
September start for Second Pillar
The second pillar of the sustainability concept consists of 12 projects that the organisers, together with various cooperation partners, are launching monthly from September 2021 until the start of Munich 2022. The launch project is the ‘22,000 LEGO® Bricks for Munich 2022’ project. Colourful ramps (for example, for prams and wheelchairs) will be placed at the European Championships Munich 2022 to create awareness of accessibility among all visitors and participants.
‘From Routes to Roots’ is the motto in October for Strava Club members of the European Championships Munich 2022 in cooperation with ClimatePartner. Whether taking part in running, cycling or rowing, the Munich 2022 community will be asked to collect kilometres – with kilometres covered converted into trees planted.
The goal is reached when 1000 trees are planted, with the Hofoldinger Forest south of Munich looking forward to reforestation. The club will continue to exist after the project and underlines the interactive and sustainable character of ‘Count & Last’.
Commenting on the sustainability plan, European Championships Management Board Chair and European Athletics Vice President Libor Varhaník said: “Sustainability is one of the core values of the multi-sport European Championships. For all stakeholders, ensuring Munich 2022 is environmentally sustainable – the use of the city’s sporting infrastructure minimising environmental impact – is a key element in the overall philosophy underpinning the event.
“The staging of a major event like this has provided Munich with the opportunity to carry out the initiatives outlined that will continue the legacy from Berlin/Glasgow 2018, through Munich 2022, and onto future editions of the European Championships in 2026 and beyond.”