Sustainability

RWC 2023 and Sustainability

World Rugby and France 2023 are on the same team to help to deliver a more sustainable Rugby World Cup 2023.

With a huge international interest in the tournament along with an unprecedented demand for tickets, a proactive, responsible approach has been adopted with regard to sustainability initiatives to ensure a positive impact for local communities, business and critically, the environment.

Aligned with the objectives of World Rugby’s Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030, a sustainability action plan has been developed and implemented for the tournament that aims to support and include all members of society, promote positive climate action and drive carbon reduction.

Aware of its impact on the environment, Rugby World Cup 2023 has engaged its entire ecosystem in order to reduce and then offset its emissions through a carbon absorption programme. This is the first time that an organising committee has included the indirect impact of the fan’s international travel, estimated at 350,000 tons of CO2.  In line with its responsible purchasing policy, and the recycling and waste management operations carried out since its creation, France 2023 has also strongly favoured sustainable mobility solutions for the 20 participating nations. 83% of team travel between the competition venues will be done by train.

France 2023 is also committed to promote an inclusive and accessible tournament (through projects supporting children in hospitals, isolated senior citizens, people with disabilities or reduced mobility, the LGBTQIA+ community and others), and organised the Tournoi National des Quartiers 2023 (National Neighbourhood Tournament 2023), which brings together more than 6,000 young people aged 8 to 13 from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the tournament’s 10 host cities. Using rugby as an educational tool for inclusion, the project will culminate in the grand national final held in Marcoussis on 27 October, alongside the Bronze Final of Rugby World Cup 2023.

These projects, which will inspire future Rugby World Cup organisers, will continue beyond the event and further information about these and other steps the tournament is taking is available on the Positive Impact at Rugby World Cup 2023 page.

But how can you join rugby's #SustainabilityTeam team, be it as a spectator or fan, in the stadia or watching from home, your local club or on the go?

What’s your footprint? Calculate, reduce and offset your emissions

Whether heading to the tournament to be a part of the action or joining the rugby family reunion remotely, everyone can get involved to make a positive impact and show their support by estimating and addressing their own carbon footprint using the free United Nations Carbon Footprint Calculator.

Go further and take some of these simple steps to reduce, replace, reuse, rethink and recycle - there are many ways the rugby family can support these actions, be they players, fans, volunteers, commercial partners or other stakeholders…

Travelling

  • Travel light – more weight increases fuel consumption and creates more emissions
  • Walk, cycle or use public transport where possible
  • If taking private transport, share rides to/from venues with friends and family
  • Take the stairs instead of the lift or escalator

 

Food and drink

  • Bring a reusable water bottle whenever possible
  • Choose tap water over bottled water (when safe to do so!)
  • Empty any unused liquids when finished
  • Order locally-produced, seasonal food
  • Reduce or substitute meat, especially red meat, for plant-based options
  • Order less to reduce food waste or keep leftovers for later
  • Ask for products that are certified/labelled environmentally-friendly
  • Avoid dishes featuring protected species

 

Waste disposal

  • Avoid single-use products
  • Limit use of packaging
  • Re-use bags where possible
  • Sort used items into recyclables, compost or waste
  • Don’t litter
  • Commit to picking up three pieces of waste on each walk, especially if by the sea, rivers or lakes

 

Accommodation

  • Save water, energy and use of chemical detergents by keeping towels and bed linen for longer
  • Turn off all lights, electrical items and air-conditioning when not in the room
  • Avoid mini-toiletries, buy local regular sizes, refillable if possible
  • Choose accommodation close to venues so you can walk, cycle or take public transport

 

Sports equipment

  • Collect and donate quality unwanted sports equipment to those who need it e.g. via www.soskitaid.com
  • Purchase sustainable and ethically produced clothing and equipment

 

Clubs/Stadia/Venues

  • Switch to a green energy tarrif with your provider
  • Retrofit facilities to include lighting sensors, solar panels, ground heat pumps, rainwater recycling for pitch watering/toilets
  • Install recycling facilities
  • Ensure accessibility of stadia for all e.g. ramps, lifts, toilets, clear and colourblind aware signage etc.
  • Encourage biodiversity by supporting pollinators and wildlife with adding plants, trees, nesting boxes and feeding stations
  • Support local suppliers, community initiatives, clubs/schools outreach programmes
  • Encourage healthy lifestyle through no-smoking venues, healthy food options, family zones etc.
  • Promote your sustainability objectives, activities and results

 

Play Your Part – Join the Sustainable Rugby Team!

For further information, please see www.world.rugby/sustainability