MIES (Switzerland) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and its partner DOW have rewarded FIBA, as well as a group of other International Federations and National Olympic Committees, for their commitment to climate leadership in sport.

This year's Carbon Action Award winners were announced today at the sixth IOC Sustainability Session, taking place virtually as part of the annual Sport Accord IF Forum.

The Carbon Action Award aims to reward and accelerate the Olympic Movement's efforts to address climate change and was launched in 2019. It is a global initiative with the main objective to recognize and accelerate effective climate action in sport. 

To be recognized, International Federations and National Organising Committees must be a part of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, which was launched by UN Climate Change and the IOC in 2018 with the purpose of developing a climate agenda for sport. They are also expected to present detailed data on their carbon reduction plans, requiring them to understand better and measure their annual carbon footprint.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said: "Sustainability is highly ranked within FIBA, which includes addressing climate change. We fully embrace the IOC's initiative and thank them for this award and the opportunity of being carbon neutral. That will be an essential message within FIBA and with our stakeholders."

The IOC's recognition is further proof that basketball's world governing body takes environmental issues seriously, specifically climate change.

FIBA measures its carbon footprint at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies as well as at its five continental offices, all with the aim of reducing emissions. FIBA also stresses the importance of sustainability issues to event hosts and helps them adopt appropriate measures during their preparations for and delivery of events.

Even before it was constructed, a huge emphasis was placed on sustainability at FIBA headquarters. The House of Basketball has 300 square meters of solar panels covering the building's roof and was built with sustainable materials that respect the environment. It was constructed with the highest standards of sustainability for an energy-efficient building.

"Climate change continues to be a global challenge of unprecedented proportions for all humankind, and it requires an unprecedented response from all of us," said IOC President Thomas Bach. "As an organization dedicated to making the world a better place through sport, the IOC wants to ensure that the Olympic community contributes to the global efforts to address climate change. This commitment to climate action is a remarkable illustration of how every one of us in sport, whether a National Olympic Committee or an International Sports Federation, can make a meaningful contribution to reduce our carbon footprint."

Earlier this year, FIBA joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Sports for Climate Action initiative as a signatory of the Sports for Climate Action Framework and hopes that the entire sports community joins this crucial Framework and commits to working collaboratively to develop, implement and enhance the climate action agenda in sports.

FIBA