Sustainability

Göteborgsvarvet is organized by Gothenburg Athletics Association to support regional athletics activities. Around 3,000 volunteers are involved through both local athletics clubs and sports clubs from other disciplines. All surplus revenue is reinvested into the sports community, supporting youth programs within the clubs and the continual operation of the training facility Friidrottens Hus.

CertificationGöteborgsvarvet is ISO certified

Göteborgsvarvet has committed to becoming a more sustainable event. Our dedicated efforts helped us achieve environmental certification in 2012 and become certified according to the international standard ISO 20121 in 2016. The same year we were honored with the AIMS Green Award and in 2017 we received the Sustainability Initiative of the year from the Green Meeting Industry Council in Sweden.

Ecological sustainabilityMaterial consumption & waste management

We are always working to improve our use of material resources and to maintain a restrictive approach to consumption without compromising the quality of the event. Purchases are made in accordance with our procurement policy that emphasizes all three dimensions of sustainable development.

We also strive to become a single-use-free event, aiming for the majority of purchased materials to be reusable. We do not sell or distribute still bottled water, instead we provide public water taps in the event area. Giveaways made from either plastic or for a single-use purpose have been phased out. Since 2020 the medal at the finish line is optional. When single-use material cannot be avoided we strive to choose the most sustainable option available.

We also strive to become a single-use-free event, aiming for the majority of purchased materials to be reusable. We do not sell or distribute still bottled water, instead we provide public water taps in the event area. Giveaways made from either plastic or for a single-use purpose have been phased out. Since 2020 the medal at the finish line is optional. When single-use material cannot be avoided we strive to choose the most sustainable option available.

Vegetarian food

Since 2023 all food served and sold at our events is 100% vegetarian. To ensure that as much of the food as possible is sustainably produced, we require our suppliers to use organic, Fairtrade-certified, and locally sourced ingredients and produce to the greatest extent possible.

Electricity

Through our partnership with Göteborg Energi, Göteborgsvarvet runs entirely on 100% renewable electricity - sourced from the sun, wind, and water.

TravelTransport and travel

Transport and travel play a big and important role in any event. To minimise our environmental impact, we coordinate business travel and the transportation of materials as efficiently as possible before, during, and after the event. Wherever possible, we choose eco-friendly options such as trains, public transport, cycling or walking.

For several years, we have also offered the opportunity to travel with our Runner's Train (Löpartåget) between Stockholm and Gothenburg. In collaboration with SJ (Swedish Railways), we handle the logistics - such as bib number distribution on board - while runners can relax and prepare for the race. Booking is available through our registration system. Due to extensive track maintenance on the Wester Main Line, we were unfortunately unable to offer the Runner's Train during 2025. However, we hope to reintroduce this option in time for 2026.

To a large extent, we rely on our participants to help reduce the environmental impact of travel. As a participant, you can contribute by taking the train, cycling, carpooling, and/or offsetting the carbon emissions from your journey to the race.

Social sustainabilityWe inspire the next generation

With our races Minivarvet and Lilla Varvet, aimed at young runners, we want to encourage and inspire children to start moving and discover the joys of living an active life from an early age. By offering a variety of races with different distances and formats, we hope to inspire both children and adults to embrace physical activity and help improve public health.

Inclusion and accessibility

Equality and equity are of utmost importance to us as an organization, and we have zero tolerance for all forms of discrimination.

We continue our efforts to make our races accessible and welcoming to all. Since 2005 Specialvarvet - which is specifically designed for people with disabilities - has been an integral part of our race week. 

In 2022 we conducted a pilot test with wheelchair users in Göteborgsvarvet Half Marathon. Since then almost all of our races have been open to wheelchair users. For those in need we offer the option to register a free guide or assistant to participate with them

Economic SustainabilityWe Strengthen Local Sports

The financial surplus from all our races is reinvested in local sports through volunteer compensation, club support and the continual operation of the training facility Friidrottens Hus.

Contact usQuestions about our sustainability work?

For questions, please contact Elin Bondemark, elin.bondemark@goteborgfriidrott.se, Sustainability manager, Göteborgsvarvet.

Sustainability policy

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