AOC launches inaugural Climate Action Plan

The AOC has launched its inaugural Climate Action Plan (CAP) which lays out the organisation’s commitment to climate action and sustainability and its leadership role of the Olympic sports in Australia.

The Plan involves an initial two-year programme of practical action around the AOC’s activities as well as contributing to change across the Olympic movement in Australia.

The AOC has committed to a 30% reduction in its emissions by 2024, 50% by 2030 and net zero by 2040.

AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says the plan embraces the five principles of the United Nations (UN) Sports for Climate Action Framework.

“The Olympic movement has a duty and an opportunity to contribute actively to global sustainability. With Brisbane 2032 committed to delivering a climate positive and sustainable Games, the AOC is working with all the Games’ stakeholders to achieve that goal.

“In everything we do, we seek to take practical action and measure what we do. A healthy planet is vital to the future of sport and we can all be part of the solution.

“Our Olympic athletes are particularly passionate about what we can achieve and their commitment to the process has been inspirational. The athletes have a voice and the AOC has a voice to educate, advocate and promote greater environmental responsibility,” Mr Carroll said.

In 2020, the AOC became a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Plan. Within a year it established a Sustainability Action Working Group and has now launched its first Climate Action Plan.

The AOC is committed to the five principles of the UN plan.

Promote greater environmental responsibility
Reduce overall climate impact
Educate for climate action
Promote sustainable and responsible consumption
Advocate for climate action through communication
Mr Carroll says sport contribute to climate change, so it needs to adapt to achieve climate neutrality.

“There is so much we can do in our day-to-day operations to mitigate against climate change. Simple and obvious things such as travel, uniform packaging and distribution, procurement, office procedures, accommodation, venue hire and reducing waste across the board.

“We also have 46 member sports that we want to assist, along with our Team Partners and suppliers, some of which are well advanced on their own climate action journeys.”

“In line with the IOC’s target, are first milestone in this plan is a 30% reduction in our emissions by 2024 with a climate baseline established this year.

“This requires the efforts of the entire AOC family – employees, Olympians, Team Partners and suppliers and the broader Olympic family. It requires leadership and communication from the AOC and the creation of a positive climate culture within and outside the AOC.”

“I would like to thank and acknowledge a range of contributors to this inaugural plan, including the AOC Athletes’ Commission, the AOC Sustainability Steering Group, the IOC, member sports Australian Cycling, Rowing Australia, Snow Australia and Swimming Australia – along with Team Partners ASICS, Deloitte, Qantas, Toyota and Woolworths, and finally our independent consultant, Dr Sheila Nguyen,” Mr Carroll concluded.

The AOC’s Climate Action Plan can be found here.

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