AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds going for gold on sustainability

Celebrating Global Recycling Day, British Triathlon have announced that AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds is targeting the gold standard of World Triathlon’s Sustainability Certification.

The certification process assesses an organisers approach to sustainability across an array of areas in the planning and delivery of their event, with the submitted event information assessed by a World Triathlon panel to determine a gold, silver or bronze certification.

The gold certification level will require the event to meet a stringent criteria of key sustainability action points as well as demonstrate how it goes beyond ‘must haves’ to take a broad and in-depth approach to sustainability.

Having taken a number of positive steps towards making the event more sustainable last year, AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds takes place in Roundhay Park on 11-12 June, providing thousands of participants with a stunning natural environment in which to take part in swim, bike, run.

More information about the event and how to get involved with competing, volunteering and spectating is available online at https://leeds.triathlon.org/.

Waterloo Lake and the paths and routes around the park will be central to the success of this year’s event, and the organisers are keen to ensure that the park is protected and that there are economic, social and environmental sustainability impacts of the event.

“We are continually reviewing our operation to ensure that it’s world class, and sustainability is central to that,” commented Lindsay Impett, Event Director of AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds.

“We know that the gold certificate is a high bar to achieve but that is something we are committed to achieving.

“Many of the improvements, in terms of sustainability, will build on last year’s event and may go unseen by participants because they are focused around how the processes and infrastructure that go into the planning and delivering the event are sustainable.

“There will however also be a number of things that participants, spectators, volunteers and everyone else involved in the event will become aware of, whether it’s the materials that go into the merchandise, the ease of recycling across the event site and how we support all attendees in their individual decisions on sustainability throughout the weekend.”

Within the criteria set out by World Triathlon is a review of not only the operational elements of an event such as energy usage, waste management and materials used, but also how the event will raise awareness of sustainable practices and promote sustainability, the social impacts of healthy living and protecting biodiversity at the event venue.

The gold certificate is the highest level awarded by World Triathlon and aiming for the top is a statement of British Triathlon’s commitment to lead the triathlon sector in a sustainable future across all elements of swim, bike, run.

Jonny Hamp, Director of Events at British Triathlon said: “AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds is a flagship event globally for triathlon, not just within this country and by going for gold certification we want to help set a standard and be an example to others.

“As national governing body in Britain we want to demonstrate how great experiences can be delivered in a sustainable way and support the triathlon community in Britain in doing just that, whether in a club, event or coaching setting.

“Internationally, we want to be at the forefront of seeing the sport at all levels fit to face the challenges of today and tomorrow, but also be ready to open up to the opportunities on offer through swim, bike, run.”

British Triathlon have established a sustainability commission made up of sustainability experts from sport, business and academia. This external body are working with British Triathlon staff and stakeholders to create draft objectives which will be shared with the triathlon community for consultation as the governing body looks to create a sustainability agenda through which to help make the sport fit for the future.