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EVENT REVIEW: The annual SAPCA Technical Meeting is among the sports construction industry’s main educational events. The 2021 edition, held at Loughborough University, saw more than 150 delegates from 75 different organisations take part
H
SAPCA TECHNICAL MEETING
aving been held as an
of the speakers were unable to attend in
online event in 2020, the
person – due to COVID-19 restrictions – it
SAPCA Technical Meeting
was the first Technical Meeting in which
returned to a face-to-face
speakers presented both on-site and online.
format for 2021. Held at
Loughborough University’s Holywell Park
SUSTAINABLE MATTERS
in December, the event featured a full
The keynote session focused on
were given the
day’s programme of sessions, followed
environmental sustainability. During it,
opportunity to
by a networking dinner. There was also
SAPCA board member Dr. Kathryn Severn
ask questions
a small exhibition floor with companies
presented the objectives of SAPCA’s
showcasing their products and services.
Environmental Sustainability Working Group
Delegates
and engage with the speakers throughout the day
More than 150 people from 75 different
and outlined the plans ahead – including the
organisations took part on the day. As some
group’s priorities and timelines for action. “The group will support the delivery of SAPCA’s technical programme by providing advice, recommendations, and best practice guidance,” Dr Severn said. “The overall aim is to influence the design and construction of sport and play facilities, in order to improve environmental sustainability, enhance quality and durability – and reduce and prevent pollution.” Eric O’Donnell from Sports Labs then highlighted how sustainable practices © ALL PHOTOS: TOM WALKER / SAPCA
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SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2022
can, at times, be expensive for companies and brands – but how a commitment to sustainability is necessary in all areas of business. He also posed the question whether the sports and play industry could come up with a way of highlighting how it offsets some of the carbon footprint of construction
