Organizing sustainable events is no longer just an ETHICAL choice; today, more than ever, it has become an effective strategy for generating positive impacts on the environment, society, the local economy, and the future of generations. ISO 20121 is a concrete way of transforming every event into an experience that generates nnew habits and initiatives.
With this in our mind, we considered the U20 Fencing World Cup to be much more than a simple sports event: it is, in fact, an incredible spot of energy, creativity, and inspiration. An exceptional opportunity to connect young people with new ideas, and to demonstrate that ‘it can be done’. Certainly, with this approach, the future of fencing will appear reliable and more attractive in everyone’s eyes.
For the 20th edition of the U20 World Cup, the LOC (Local Organizing Committee) has adopted a sustainable management strategy that will lead to ISO 20121 Certification.
Until today this process has been completed in the ideation (Phase 1) and planning (Phase 2) stages of the event and is currently undergoing evaluation by the Certification Committee. The next step, Phase 3, is taking place right now, it is the event you are living, taking place on January 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026, during which the effectiveness of all management process will be verified on-site.
Our road to sustainability started in 2024. The carbon footprint of the event has been measured and greenhouse gas emissions offset to achieve climate neutrality, reason why we reieved the PAS 2060 certification. Greenhouse gas emissions was calculated in cooperation with Spinlife, a Padua University spin off, and CSQA Certifications. We are now moving ahead to obtain the ISO20121 Certification.
During competitions, COL and its partners will act in a sustainbale way:
- Differentiated waste and circular economy: NET, the local waste management company, will take care of a proper management of waste. They will set up and monitor two main collection points for differentiated paper, glass and compost. This is a fondumental action to make recycling and circular economy possibile;
- Plastic free: the LOC will give athletes, companions and referees, as a gadget, aluminium water bottles which can be filled at the water dispensers located in the venue area. So, a “zero kilometer” service will be activated, since the water will be supplied frome the local network. The use of disposable plastic bottles will be reduced as much as possibile;
- Re-use and social inclusion: LISTER, a social tailoring shop based in Trieste and employing disadvantaged people, will create the bags and cases to be given to the winners, using the PVC banners and roll ups of the 19 earlier Junior World Cups;
- Shared mobility: To minimize the CO2 emissions, the connection among Udine and the airports is provided with a shared transportation service. The most part of the involved hotels are at a walking distance from the venue, in order to reduce the use of vehicles;
- Eco mobility: electric and hybrid cars will be used for the transfer of the most important guests;
Furthermore, the COL is committed to:
eliminating the use of paper as much as possible (paper free). When necessary, FSC certified paper, i.e. from sustainably managed forests, will be used;
despite the winter season, reducing energy consumption with simple actions to avoid waste (energy saving);
recommending local and healthy food (genuine food);
giving positive messages to young athletes and their companions through a decalogue with very simple tips to act in a sustainable way, also raising awareness on important issues like health, social inclusion, gender equality and human rights (positive communication).
Furthermore, the Local Organizing Committee has arranged a set of guidelines for a sustainable competition, to help athletes and companions take action in the name of respect for the environment.
Click below to download our decalogue.
