Victorian Institute of Sport partners with Sports Environment Alliance

The Sports Environment Alliance (SEA) has welcomed its newest member, the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS).

Described as being “at the start of its sustainability journey”, one of the VIS earliest initiatives has been the forming of a Sustainability Squad. Comprising 18 enthusiastic staff as well as 5 athlete representatives, the Squad is in the early stages of developing the VIS Climate Action Plan.

Explaining that in their first Sustainability Squad meeting, the group came up with almost 50 initiatives that they could take direct action on, spanning from procurement to travel to education,

VIS, Project Manager - Innovation and Research, Sylvie Withers stated “the VIS is committed to embedding sustainability into our pursuit of success in sport and life. Our mission is to foster a greener, healthier future for all by actively contributing to a climate-resilient Victoria.

“We have seen first-hand the impact that climate change is having on sporting activities. From rescheduling and cancelation of events, destruction of venues, to health impacts for our athletes.  We are excited to join SEA to help guide us on our journey and believe a collaborative approach is the most efficient way to reach net-zero,” she said.

VIS recognise that sport and organisations such as theirs are part of the problem but can also be part of the solution.

In welcoming VIS to the Alliance, SEA Chief Executive, Jan Fitzgerald advised that it is exciting to see such an influential organisation using its platform to make a positive contribution to sport, the planet and society.

Fitzgerald noted “Victorian Institute of Sport has already cemented its position as a leader, on and off the track, and we look forward to supporting their journey of achieving net zero, and a better future for all sports.”

The VIS has this week also reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation.

Since 2021, the Australian Sports Commission has joined the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia, and all seven State and Territory Sport Institutes and Academies in committing to the Australian Sporting Network Joint Reconciliation Statement.

Click here to visit the Victorian Institute of Sport website.

Click here for more information on the Sports Environment Alliance.