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Green Event Standards
Sailing regattas take place in sensitive ecosystems – along coastlines, on lakes, in river estuaries and nature reserves. At the same time, large events attract hundreds of boats, thousands of visitors and extensive onshore logistics. Green Event Standards are the framework through which organisers systematically plan, implement and demonstrate ecological, social and economic sustainability. They complement the environmental and fair sailing rules at regatta level and connect sporting excellence with responsibility for wind, water and venue. Organisers who take Green Event Standards seriously not only strengthen the event's image, but also reduce costs, minimise conflicts with authorities and build long-term trust among participants, sponsors and the public.
What Green Event Standards mean in sailing
Green Event Standards are not a loose collection of good intentions, but a structured approach to sustainable sports events. In sailing, organisers align with international guidelines – in particular the Sustainability Agenda of World Sailing – and proven event management practices from grassroots and professional sport.
The four dimensions of sustainable regattas
- Ecology – protection of waters, waste reduction, low-emission logistics, careful treatment of flora and fauna
- Social – inclusion, fair working conditions for volunteers, accessible information, respectful interaction with local residents
- Economic – efficient use of resources, long-term sponsor partnerships, avoidance of greenwashing
- Governance – clear responsibilities, measurable goals, transparent reporting
Waste, energy, mobility
Volunteers, inclusion, communication
Budget, sponsorship, procurement
Goals, monitoring, reporting
Why organisers need Green Event Standards
Regattas without a sustainability concept risk more than a bad impression. Authorities in protected waters and conservation areas are increasingly imposing environmental requirements. Sponsors ask for measurable KPIs. Athletes expect clear rules on plastic and waste on board. Media and social media channels amplify every breach of ecological standards.
The benefits of systematic implementation:
- Legal certainty through early coordination with licensing authorities
- Cost savings through reusable systems instead of One-Way Packaging
- Image gain among participants, partners and the local community
- Competitive advantage when bidding for funding and major events
- Learning curve through documented debriefing for future regattas
Sustainability as an event factor (2020–2025): The share of regatta notices of race with explicit environmental clauses is rising from approx. 35 % to over 60 %. For professional series such as SailGP, the figure is significantly higher.
International frameworks and certifications
Organisers can align with various standards. Not every event needs formal certification – but clear reference points help with planning and communication.
Professional series such as SailGP provide scalable role models for amateur events with Impact League and transparent reporting.
Green Event Standards in regatta planning
Sustainability does not begin on event weekend, but in the concept phase. Anyone who wants to plan and run a regatta should embed Green Event Standards in parallel with sporting and logistical planning.
Integrating Green Event Standards – process flow
Phase 1: Goals and baseline (12–18 months ahead)
- Venue analysis: What ecological sensitivities does the regatta area have?
- Establish baseline: Waste volume, energy consumption, travel modes for the previous year's regatta (if available)
- Set SMART goals: e.g. "80 % reusable cups on the event site", "no single-use plastic in catering"
- Appoint responsible persons: sustainability coordinator in the organisation team
Phase 2: Action catalogue (6–12 months ahead)
The action catalogue covers all event areas – from the water to the festival grounds:
Details on berth and harbour logistics can be found under Marina and logistics.
Phase 3: Implementation and monitoring (event week)
During the regatta, operational discipline counts. Volunteer teams – see Volunteering and volunteer teams – need clear instructions on waste stations, emergency protocols for pollution incidents and correct disposal of maintenance waste (paints, oils, batteries).
Core areas in detail
Waste and zero waste
Waste is the most visible sustainability factor at every regatta. Green Event Standards focus on prevention rather than disposal:
- Reusable requirement for cups, tableware and water stations
- Deposit systems for drink containers in the boat park and on shore
- Clear labelling of all waste stations (Unavoidable Waste, paper, organic, hazardous waste)
- Ban on single-use plastic in sailing instructions and catering contracts
- Clean-up rounds after each race day in the regatta area and on the beach
Single-use plastic bottles as starter gifts or sponsor giveaways contradict Green Event Standards and undermine credible sustainability communication.
Water, antifouling and water protection
Sailing regattas directly affect the water. Organisers should:
- Communicate antifouling rules (biodegradable products, washing bans)
- Provide oil and fuel emergency kits at pontoons and committee boats
- Anchor speed and noise limits in conservation areas in the SI
- Not erect event infrastructure in sensitive shoreline zones
Energy and carbon footprint
Even though sailing itself is wind-powered, regattas cause significant ancillary emissions:
- Electricity for results service, lighting and media technology
- Fuel for mark boats, committee boats and safety fleet
- Transport of boats, trailers and container equipment
Green Event Standards recommend a CO₂ balance of all event areas. Professional events publish this transparently; club regattas can start with simplified tools and improve the balance year on year.
Tip: Electric or hybrid committee boats and mark boats are not available everywhere – but the gradual conversion of individual vessels sends a strong signal and noticeably reduces local emissions.
Mobility and travel
Travel traffic accounts for the largest share of the CO₂ footprint at many coastal and lake events. Measures:
- Early communication on public transport connections and shuttle services
- Bicycle and e-bike infrastructure at the event site
- Carpooling platforms for crews and volunteers
- Berth allocation by mode of arrival (bonus for public transport users)
Travel options to the regatta compared
Communication and avoiding greenwashing
Green Event Standards depend on credibility. Organisers should:
- Communicate concrete goals instead of vague "green" promises
- Measure progress and report honestly on remaining weaknesses
- Involve participants – e.g. through green team competitions between clubs
- Review sponsors – critically question partnerships with contradictory industries
Important: Anchor sustainability in the Published NoR and Sailing Instructions – not only in the marketing flyer. Legally binding event rules have more impact than voluntary appeals.
Measurement, reporting and continuous improvement
Green Event Standards do not end with the prize-giving. Structured debriefing secures learning effects:
- Data collection: waste volumes, electricity consumption, water usage, travel survey
- Feedback: short survey of participants, volunteers and local residents
- Report: internal sustainability report with KPIs and deviations from goals
- Debriefing: integration into the regatta organisation debriefing
- Planning next season: update action catalogue, adjust budget
Green Event Standard cycle over 18 months
Checklist: Green Event Standards before the start
- Sustainability coordinator appointed in the organisation team
- Environmental requirements of the regatta area coordinated with authorities
- SMART goals defined for waste, energy and mobility
- Reusable system organised for catering and water stations
- Sailing instructions contain environmental and waste rules (Rule 55 and beyond)
- Waste stations at pontoon, boat park and festival grounds labelled and staffed
- Volunteer briefing on disposal and emergency protocols conducted
- Public transport and shuttle information published in NoR and website
- Sponsors and suppliers reviewed against sustainability criteria
- Monitoring plan created for event week and debriefing
- Sustainability report date after the regatta scheduled in calendar
Checklist: Event week (operational points)
- Rubbish bags distributed to all boats and crews
- Water stations with reusable system active
- Hazardous waste containers for paints, oils and batteries ready
- Committee boat check on fuel and emergency equipment conducted
- Daily clean-up round in regatta area planned
- Energy monitoring at event site active
- Oil emergency kits at pontoons and committee boats checked
- SI briefing on environmental rules before first start
- Social media communication on sustainability measures transparent
- On-site sustainability contact person designated