Göteborgsvarvet Half Marathon aims to be at the forefront in protecting the environment and working towards a more sustainable event. Thanks to our hard work and efforts we are ISO 20121 certified. In our sustainability efforts we have already made quite a number of changes that have reduced our carbon footprint and negative effect on the environment and climate change.
Göteborgsvarvet Half Marathon became Environmentally certified in 2013 by the City of Gothenburg. In order to further develop and improve our efforts as well as incorporate all three dimensions of sustainable development we decided to aim for the ISO 20121 certification in 2015. During the spring of 2016 we achieved our ISO 20121 certification.
We are continually working towards improving the way we handle waste products during the week of Göteborgsvarvet Half Marathon and try to recycle as much as possible. Every year the percentage that is recycled increases and what isn’t recycled is sent to an energy-from-waste facility where renewable energy or district heating is produced. Conveniently placed in the event area are recycling stations and bins for cans and plastic bottles. We also have volunteers helping us increase the amounts recycled. Volunteers at three drink stations will recycle the paper cups used in Göteborgsvarvet 2019. Our goal is to increase the number of stations that recycle papers mugs every year. All of the clothes that are left behind at the start and finish line after the race is donated to charity.
For those completing the race will be served organic coffee and fruit at the finish line. Due to our sustainable efforts there will be no bottled water for sale, instead we have water taps dispersed in the event area.
The food given to the volunteers is vegetarian and contains at least 40% organic products as well as seasonal based ingredients. Runners and the audience will be able to choose vegetarian alternatives from the vendors in the event area. In an effort to reduce potential waste we try to avoid using small packages and disposable products.
The electrical power used during the event is 100% renewable energy and provided in collaboration with Göteborg Energi (Gothenburg Energy). This include the track and stadium as well as Friidrottens Hus and the offices within.
We offer free public transportation from Thursday-Saturday during the event week for our volunteers and everyone participation in Göteborgsvarvet Half Marathon, this will help reducing congestion and smog. We also offer large parking lots just outside of the city in the hope of reducing traffic, exhaust from vehicles and congestion. Those opting to use their car can park at either Dalens IP, Högsbo or Åby Travbana for a 100 SEK fee. RVs and caravans can park at Valhalla IP for a 200 SEK fee. The money from the collected fees will go towards the Swedish Association of Green Motorists.
Those choosing to ride their bicycles to the race can park their bike in a designated area at Norra Dalen (Northern Dalen) in the event area.
Runners can book a round trip ticket by train with SJ’s “Runner’s Train” (SJ:s Löpartåget). SJ will then arrange all practical logistics so the runner can rest comfortably and get ready for the race. The “Runner’s Train” goes from Stockholm to Gothenburg with a few stops in between. For more information and to reserve your ticket head to sj.se.
In preparation for our race week we coordinate material transports as much as possible, for example to our drink stations.
We continually strive to reduce the emissions caused by our employees’ work travels. In our efforts we gather statistics, ensuring that we can measure a downward trend, and set goals to further reduce our emissions. We offset the emissions we do cause through Tricorona’s Gold Standard Sudo & Humbo project in Ethiopia. The aim of the project is to turn the trend in deforestation in Ethiopia and strengthen their national ecosystem by reestablishing its forest. At the end of the project an estimated 1,2 million trees will have been planted. We also have a travel policy that all employees must follow.
Transportations are a large part of Göteborgsvarvet Half Marathon’s environmental impact and are to a large degree dependant on our participants. We therefore encourage our participants to travel by public transport, train or to carpool. We would also very much appreciate if you, as a runner, would compensate for your emissions to the Swedish Association of Green Motorists.
Göteborgsvarvet always tries to keep strict restraints on consumption without sacrificing the quality of the event. All purchases are made according to our consumption policy.
All disposables, such as paper towels, cleaning supplies, copying paper, conference material and other similar products are environmentally friendly. The majority of the signs in the event area are made of a type of plastic that is classified as environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable.
All information is available in digital form. Invoices can be sent our digitally and registration is completely digital. We also set requirements regarding how our sponsors, partners and suppliers work with sustainability.
If you have any questions please contact Elin Jansson, who is in charge of our work on sustainability.