European handball is undergoing a significant push towards sustainability, with the European Handball Federation (EHF) aiming to become the most sustainable sport in Europe by . This ambitious goal, approved at the EHF Congress in , centers around three core areas: environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and governance.
A Three-Pronged Approach
The EHF’s strategy identifies three key action fields to achieve its vision: the EHF as an organization, its competitions and events, and the broader handball ecosystem including partners. Six strategic priorities underpin this framework: climate action & energy, waste management, equality and inclusion, health & education, external governance (addressing issues like corruption and doping), and internal governance, reporting & communications.
Concrete steps are already being taken. The EHF has established a Sustainability Board, which held its first of four scheduled meetings in , to oversee the implementation of the strategy. Sustainability concepts are being integrated into EHF and EHF Marketing competitions and events, and a checklist for “green events” has been created. Bidding documents for the EHF EURO now require organizers to develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy encompassing environmental, economic, and social responsibility.
Social Sustainability and Grassroots Development
Beyond environmental concerns, the EHF is placing a strong emphasis on social sustainability. Gender equality is a key focus, highlighted by the second Women’s Handball Conference held alongside the Women’s EHF EURO . The federation also recognizes the importance of youth development, with initiatives like the “Respect Your Talent” program serving as examples, though officials emphasize this is an ongoing effort, not a final solution.
Leading by Example: The New EHF Building
The EHF is also demonstrating its commitment to sustainability through its own infrastructure. The newly opened EHF building, completed in , has achieved an Austrian “Klimaaktiv” Certificate – the second-highest category for sustainable buildings. The building incorporates integrated photovoltaics, functions as a heating and cooling accumulator utilizing geothermal energy, and provides charging stations for electric vehicles and e-bikes.
Broader Implications for Sport
The EHF’s initiative arrives at a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly important across all sports. The push for environmental responsibility is driven by growing awareness of climate change and the need to reduce the carbon footprint of large-scale events. Social sustainability, encompassing issues like equality, inclusion, and athlete welfare, is also gaining prominence as governing bodies strive to create more equitable and ethical sporting environments.
The focus on governance reflects a broader trend towards greater transparency and accountability in sports organizations. Concerns about corruption, doping, and other forms of misconduct have led to calls for stronger oversight and more robust ethical standards.
Development Challenges in Cyprus and Beyond
The need for sustainable development isn’t limited to established European handball nations. Recent reports highlight growing handball development in Cyprus, but also acknowledge funding gaps that hinder progress. Like many emerging handball programs, Cyprus is seeking sustainable pathways for athlete development
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U.S. Handball’s Development Program
Similar efforts are underway in the United States. The U.S. HANDBALL First ACE® Development Program provides financial and equipment support to new and emerging handball initiatives, aiming to create self-supporting programs in clubs, youth service organizations, schools, and colleges. This program underscores the universal challenge of building sustainable handball ecosystems from the ground up.
The High-Performance Sport Environment
Sustainability extends beyond infrastructure and funding to encompass the athlete experience. A recent study published in examined the high-performance sport environment, highlighting the importance of factors like a supportive training and competition environment, access to adequate funding, and sufficient resources for athletes to train effectively. Creating a sustainable high-performance system requires a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and mental well-being of athletes.
The EHF’s ambitious goal to become Europe’s most sustainable sport is a significant undertaking. Its success will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders – the EHF itself, its member federations, clubs, athletes, and partners – to embrace the principles of environmental responsibility, social equity, and good governance. The federation’s progress will likely serve as a benchmark for other sports organizations looking to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
