Swimming towards sustainability: ASR initiatives at the European Aquatics Short Course Swimming Championships Lublin 2025

A wide range of environmental measures will be adopted at the EA Short Course Swimming Championships which start in Lublin on Tuesday (December 2).

European Aquatics and the Polish Swimming Federation  are committed to setting a benchmark for aquatics events by delivering a set of sustainable practices drawn from the Sustainability and Legacy Program within EA’s Aquatics Social Responsibility (ASR) initiative.

These measures aim to:

*Minimise the environmental impact of the 2025 European Aquatics events

*Foster social and economic legacy for the benefit of the host local and wider community

*Inspire the local and wider community to adopt healthy and active styles through the Aquatics Social Responsibility Strategy

*Promote the sustainable development goals as a catalyst for sustainable development through sports

This Sustainability & Legacy Plan is aligned with the sustainability goals of Lublin, Poland and the Polish Swimming Federation.

It will be implemented with a focus on the five following key priorities: Green Task Force; Sustainable Fun Zone; Eliminate Plastic; Waste Management and Solidarity Ticketing.

Organisers in Lublin – where the EA Short Course Swimming Championships will run from December 2 to 7 – will be carrying out initiatives in all five of these areas.

In terms of environmental initiatives, organisers have appointed a group of volunteers and employees responsible for pro-environmental activities such as monitoring waste segregation, communication and education.

A short training session will be conducted on zero-waste principles and effective resource management.

As part of commitment to caring for the environment and reducing paper use organisers have replaced printed event programmes with digital ones. Instead of using paper copies, guests can scan QR codes placed on the seats to access the full programme online – thus saving trees and minimising waste.

Eco-friendly behaviour will be promoted to all spectators.

Sustainability efforts will be highlighted in a designated Fun Zone that will engage spectators in interactive eco-friendly activities, educating young children and their families on how to act and respond in a “green” way.

Measures are being taken to reduce the use of plastic cutlery, plates and cups in the dining area.

In the area of waste management clearly labelled recycling bins have been set up, a collaboration has been established with a recycling company and there will be daily volunteer reports on the condition of bins and cleanliness of the facility.

In terms of ticketing for the event, special access will be provided for schools, people with disabilities and families in difficult circumstances.

In terms of additional measures there will be social media information available during the event on the subject of eco-friendly practices.

ECO transport will be organised for all participants, so no one will need to use cars. Additionally, spectators will be encouraged to use public transport or bicycles.

The Polish Swimming Federation has signed a declaration endorsing the European Aquatics Sustainable Commitment which reads as follows:

“Our organisations recognise that maintaining a clean environment and conserving water are essential for ensuring a healthy and sustainable world, which is crucial for the well-being of athletes and society.

“We are also aware that achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals requires significant and transformative actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

“We aim to make a positive contribution to the promotion of a sustainable future for aquatics, therefore all participants, team members, staff, volunteers and spectators are encouraged to support a joint ambition and commitment to sustainability by embarking on a journey to reduce their individual carbon footprint.”

The full document can be found here: https://europeanaquatics.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EA-Social-Responsibility-.pdf

Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics

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