Image Credit: Ben Tufnell

Setting new standards in sustainability

The World Rowing Coastal Championships and Beach Sprint Finals came to Wales for the first time in October 2022.

Staged along Saundersfoot beach and harbour, the event attracted teams and supporters from as far afield as New Zealand and Japan, and helped build the area’s reputation as a visitor destination and a world-class, year-round location for the sport.

ISO20121

certification

The event’s commitment to sustainability was baked into all planning and delivery from day one as its funders specified their support being conditional on it working towards achieving ISO 20121 certification – an international quality mark for events that demonstrates their sustainability knowledge, planning and action.

Organiser British Rowing collaborated with local partners including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to devise and deliver a sustainability plan. A part time (1 day a week)  Manager was seconded to the project who developed their own knowledge regarding sustainability through the project and ensured that local knowledge, needs and other key stakeholders were at the heart of the strategy.

The Championships ultimately became the first rowing event of their kind to achieve ISO 20121 certification and their partnership approach to sustainability is now held up as a model of best practice for other hosts.