Is ISO20121 Certification a Detour or Gamechanger for Eco-Striving Sport Events? A Conceptual Typology.

Hans Erik Næss

doi:10.3389/fspor.2021.659240

Abstract

An increasing number of sport organizations express interest in international accreditation standards as a way of tackling environmental sustainability (ES) challenges. This article, however, argues that the commercial context of these standards and “the bazaar economy” in which its suppliers operate may hamper the diverse solutions needed to reduce the ecological footprint of sport. At the same time, it acknowledges that standards are useful to certain sporting organizations. To sort out the pros and cons of the relation between such standards and ES work in sport organizations, the Formula E (for Electric) championship is used as case example. The championship became the first category in motorsport to receive ISO certification in 2018, and 2 years later, it achieved net zero carbon footprint from inception. On that basis, the article provides a typology that provides coordinates for empirical research on how sport organizations may avoid “organizational hypocrisy” in their ES work by viewing the pros and cons of ISO certification. While the practical implication is insight into what it takes for a sport organization to achieve a specific certification, the academic implication is conceptual coordinates for empirical and comparative research of ES initiatives and certifications.

Highlights

Environmental sustainability (ES) and sport events have been coupled since the early 1990s
Among the most vocal critics, we find Boykoff and Mascarenhas (2016) who argue that the IOC and its hosts have capitalized on the sustainability zeitgeist without embracing significant environmental principles
While Formula E can be criticized as it moves around the world to race

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Environmental sustainability (ES) and sport events have been coupled since the early 1990s. According to SGS, which describes itself as “the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company” dating back to 18787, this awakening “was pivotal in Formula E’s resolution to build on its established environmental management system by seeking official certification of its credentials with the voluntary global standard ISO 201218” Aiming for ISO certification of the management system, by contrast, would in SGS’s view “demonstrate that the organization had a complete identification and understanding of its impacts on the environment and local communities9” SGS sets out to examine the Formula E’s “holistic approach to sustainable event management.” This included, SGS writes, the implementation of a waste management system and community engagement projects to ensure social inclusivity. It is taking the lead in sustainable motorsports and setting a new benchmark for the industry14.”

A CONCEPTUAL TYPOLOGY

Findings

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT