BROADCASTS.com

Published: Oct. 5, 2022, 3 a.m.

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Sporting major events come and go; they pop up in one place, disappear and then return somewhere completely different, usually four years later. So how does this distinctly unsustainable operation have a lasting legacy? How do we make sure \\u201clearnings are not lost\\u201d. We visit the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to speak to their sustainability team; Jess Fidler and Jo Leigh.  They really want their lessons, positive and negative, to be passed on to future events in a caring, sharing way.  Consultant Amanda Curtis joins the pod to continue the theme of passing on learnings; she worked for London 2012 but also has perspective from other sectors after a career in retail.  And some strong thoughts from Amanda and Melissa on the danger of offsetting.  Plus Jonathan ranting about a car park.  All the good stuff.

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Time Codes:

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01:30  We set out the "learnings not lost" concept when it comes to major events.

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02:40. Jonathan\'s on, what he calls "a grassy knoll".  Whatever that is.  More relevantly, he\'s in Birmingham at the Commonwealth Games.

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03:40. Hello to Jessica Fidler and Jo Leigh, from the Birmingham 2022 sustainability team.  Jess sets out the ambitions.

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04:30. Jo outlines some of the specific missions to deliver on the sustainability pledges.

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06:40. Spectator transport accounts for a huge proportion of the Games\' carbon footprint.  It\'s the \'big stuff which makes the major impact\', observes Jonathan.

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07:50. So the post-event analysis is important: "We need to be transparent with our learnings" says Jess. They want to share and reach out, \'to make sure the learnings don\'t get lost\' adds Jo.

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09:30.  A free-to-access carbon-literacy resource will be available through the Birmingham 2022 website, to help different sectors understand the carbon legacy and get an official certification.  

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11:15. Athlete engagement has involved work with Athletes of the World.  Melissa tells us more... it\'s about making them feel confident about speaking credibly on these issues.

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15:15. Melissa\'s analysis on the percentage of carbon emissions created by spectator transport.

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16:15. Jonathan rants about the NEC car parks, not for the first time.  Can we take some bigger decisions in the future?

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17:45. Welcome to Amanda Curtis:  sustainability manager at London 2012 and sustainability consultant for many governing bodies.

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19:15. She talks about sustainability being embedded in the major event bid process.

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22:10. Amanda shares some of her experiences of lesson-sharing in retail; sport has a long way to go..

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25:00. Melissa wants to emphasise how offsetting is not a solution. Amanda agrees; it\'s about reduction not offsetting.

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28:20. Amanda says  \'it\'s about being bold, about taking risks\'.  The big changes will make a difference.

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30:15. The thorny issue of high-polluting sponsors.  Melissa gets straight to the point...

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33:00. Thanks to Amanda Curtis.  Melissa reflects on the \'outside perspective\'...

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35:20.  Back to Birmingham and more from Jo Leigh, former GB International Hockey player.  What\'s her view on the future of major events?

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36:50. Jo wants a climate-centric games in the future; Jonathan goes on about the car park again.  Thankfully Jo agrees.

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39:15.  A final thought as Jo considers her athlete friends.  Are more willing to engage in the conversation now, compared with Rio 2016?

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41:00. A big few years ahead for Australia in terms of major events!  

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A NinetyFour19 production.

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