The Margaret River Masters 2014 WCT Event Adding Sustainability to the mix
Sustainable Events A sustainable event is designed, organised and implemented in a way that minimises potential negative impacts and leaves a beneficial legacy for the host community and all involved. By implementing sustainability into the Margaret River WCT Event, organisers have the opportunity to not only minimise potential negative impacts but also influence behaviour change for Australian communities by leaving a positive legacy and hopefully inspiring those involved to live more sustainably.
Benefits of being a Greener Surfing Event Cost Savings Besides the areas where Greening the Margaret River Masters can increase marketing reach, credentials and add scope to this event, it is also about reducing its impact and saving costs. Conserving energy, reducing waste, local procurement, and simply consuming less – can all result in savings. They can also have long-term financial benefits, due to the more efficient use of resources and easier access to financial support and sponsors. Positive Reputation and Improved Image Promoting the fact that you are organising a sustainable event will raise the local and international profile of this event. Turning the Margaret River WCT into a green event is pushing the boundaries in Australia and it will be another point on which to engage the media’s attention. Social Benefits A Green event will provide additional benefits to the local community by creating more jobs, encouraging local investment, and involving regional small and medium businesses. Event sustainability can also and creates better working conditions and social inclusion. It will
also be beneficial to the Margaret River Shire and will encourage their support, and the support of the local community in future surf events. Trigger Innovation Your request for more sustainable products will both trigger as well as promote the development of innovative technologies and techniques, leading to a more efficient use of resources and the improvement of the participant’s experience. Ocean-friendly Event Not only does Sustainability encompass the spirit of the South West and Margaret River Region, but it also embodies what true surfers stand for - using sustainable practices to take care of our planet and our oceans, so we can enjoy them now and forever. Greening this event also counteracts direct impacts to the global sport of surfing, such as sea level rise, ocean pollution, and acidification, and the loss of the living coral reefs that affect the ocean and the waves. Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change This event is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness amongst all stakeholders, participants, event staff, suppliers, surfers, the local community, the wider global community on the theme of sustainability and sustainable events. It will encourage more sustainable behaviour, and healthier lifestyle choices which in turn will leave a positive legacy and promote responsible resource use.
Vision The Margaret River Masters 2014 WCT event has the opportunity to lead the way in Australian Surfing Events by incorporating sustainability into each step of the event organisation and operations. The event is incredibly well positioned to become a leading example in Australia for how a professional surfing event can go green. By using innovative methods and implementing ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Standards, this event can makes its mark in the Australian Surfing Industry. It will also benefit the local community at the same time by reducing its impact on our local environment.
Achieving Standards The ISO 20121 is a Events Sustainability Management Systems developed by participating standards bodies from various countries around the world. It is a management system standard and is similar in structure to other international standards such as ISO 14001 [Environmental Management Systems] and ISO 9000[Quality Management Systems]. ISO 20121 has been used in large scale events around the world to green their operations. The Margaret River WCT can start with a step by step approach (year by year) to taking the Margaret River Masters from being just another surf event to being an eco-conscious surf event, that can also be used as a platform for community education on local sustainability and green living. In addition, following in the footsteps of Rip Curl Pro Search 2011, Volcom Pipe Pro 2012 and 2013, and Volcom Fiji Pro 2013, we can strive to achieve the ‘Deep Blue Surfing Event’ qualification, that meets five major categories required to become an ocean friendly event, certified by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP).
Sustainability Event Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Sustainable Event Planning Consulting Establishment of Set Objectives and Action Plan Putting the Plan into Action Conduct Event Performance Reporting and Evaluation Sustainability Report Produced
Sustainability Event Goals Area Waste Transport Power Emissions Water Local Materials purchasing/procurement Behaviour Change
Ultimate Goal Waste reduction and resource recovery, no waste to landfill, A plastic free event Alternative transport for patrons, offsetting schemes in the local eco-system. The entire event run on renewable energy. A carbon neutral event. A water sensitive event Support local environmental groups and initiatives in the local community Local procurement of products, reusable and eco-friendly materials Create a cultural awareness in the surfing community about sustainability.
2014 as a Starting Point The 2014 WCT Margaret River event can be a baseline year, for starting a sustainable legacy, through setting achievable objectives. From this year on, the event can adapt and develop more green initiatives building and growing for next year’s event.
2014 goals: • •
Monitor and Audit the WCT Events current sustainability levels. Establish waste objectives for this year’s event – reducing waste to landfill by 40% through establishing onsite waste sorting.
The Green Scene Who we are The Green Scene is a Western Australian based sustainability consulting company that aims to work with stakeholders and event organisers to assist in greening their events in a manageable step-bystep approach that is cost effective and achievable. The Green Scene Team Jamie Van Egmond Holds a degree in Sustainable Development and has worked in the Environmental Sector for the last 9 years. Jamie has founded multiple sustainability initiatives including www.Fregreenguide.com, The Good Map Freo and she is the Director of The Green Scene. Working with businesses and events to achieve sustainable outcomes is her passion, along with being an avid surfer and sailor.
Bela Cap Specialist in Events Management and Bachelor Degree in Social Communication, Bela Cap has worked as an Event Producer for the last 5 years in the North East of Brazil and in Western Australia. She already produced big to small special events, festivals, concerts and sporting events. On sustainability, Bela is part of the Living Smart Project and it did recognized trainings on Event Sustainability Management Systems. Nowadays, she is a Green Event Consultant at Green Scene and Freelancer Event Producer based in WA.