In 2009 we began embedding sustainability principles into our organisation and event planning. Not only do we want to do our bit to mitigate environmental problems such as climate change and resource depletion, but we also recognise that sustainable sporting is expected by our stakeholders and the wider community.
We are aiming to raise awareness and increase education about environmental sustainability and foster sustainable values and principles to all staff, volunteers, members, participants and corporate organisations involved in the sport of triathlon.
As part of the long term vision, this year, we are ‘greening’ the Busselton Half Ironman Triathlon. We expect the outcomes from this triathlon will trigger the improved sustainability of other triathlon events in Western Australia and beyond.
This page will be updated regularly to let you know what we are doing, but also to give you some tips on how you can help.
What are we doing?
We have partnered with Greensense, who have extensive experience in sustainable event management to help develop our key objectives and strategies. Greensense will assist with embedding sustainability initiatives into our event planning process, and will conduct a sustainability audit of the Busselton Half Ironman Triathlon to ensure we have a benchmark to track our future performance against.
We have implemented the optional green fee for competitors. This gives participants the opportunity to contribute towards improving the sustainability of the triathlon as well as contributing towards offsetting the emissions from competitors’ travel.
We are working with suppliers to identify opportunities to improve our sustainability such as using biodegradable or recyclable materials where possible, ensuring recyclable materials are not sent to landfill and reducing packaging.
How can you help?
Ultimately to improve our sustainability it is about working together. No matter if you are a competitor, spectator, corporate sponsor or concerned citizen, here are some ideas for what you can do to reduce your own environmental impact and that of the Busselton Half Ironman Triathlon.
Athletes and spectators
Contribute directly to the BHIT initiatives by opting in for the $5 green fee when registering. This will be used to:
offset the emissions from your travel to Busselton
improve sustainability of waste, water and emissions management and
measuring our current impact to track future improvements
Carpool with other competitors or spectators to Busselton and make sure you car is well maintained so that it runs efficiently.
When reviewing the course, stay on the marked paths and avoid disturbing the local vegetation and fauna.
Ensure all rubbish is disposed of appropriately, in particular, do not discard bidons or wrappers on the course.
Choose your accommodation giving consideration to their environmental policies.
Cycle or run to work – not only does this reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, but you can incorporate it into your training routine. Where you can’t cycle or run, try taking public transport.
Carpool to training sessions and events.
Buy local produce where possible. Not only is this great for the local community and economy, but you also reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transporting goods long distances.
Suppliers and sponsors
Buy local produce where possible. Not only is this great for the local community and economy, but also reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transporting goods long distances.
Use a greenstamp printer for your printing and promotional materials – greenstamp printing will ensure that paper is 100% recycled or sourced from sustainably managed forestry and that vegetable based inks are used.
If you have spare room on trucks for transporting goods, contact the event organizers to see if another supplier can utilize the space.
If you’re providing catering increase the number of organic or vegetarian options on the menu. Red meat is the most emissions-intensive food type. Organic food is ideal as it avoids the use of chemicals and toxins in pesticides and fertilizers. These can destroy the quality of the soil, leak into groundwater supplies and pollute the ocean.
Engage with your staff to encourage sustainable practices in your business. With knowledge of your business processes, your staff can be a great resource for identifying opportunities and implementing them.
If you’re running generators at the event, use biodiesel or only run the generator at full capacity when needed.
Look at your own organisation – do you have a sustainability policy? If not, develop one.
If you’re running generators at the event, use biodiesel or only run the generator at full capacity when needed.
Where possible reduce the packaging on your products – is it really necessary? If it is necessary, is it recyclable?
Consider if you able to generate our source renewable energy for your power requirements?
