The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been honored with the prestigious Low Carbon Award by 2050Today, a Geneva-based climate action network. This recognition celebrates the IOC's remarkable achievement in reducing its corporate carbon footprint by an impressive 30% between 2021 and 2024, surpassing its intermediate goal of a 50% reduction by 2030. The award ceremony, held on December 3, 2025, in Geneva, showcased the IOC's dedication to cutting direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. The jury praised the IOC's efforts, particularly in reducing emissions from business travel through the implementation of internal carbon budgets and the adoption of sustainable travel practices. To achieve this significant reduction, the IOC took a comprehensive approach by focusing on its largest sources of emissions. For business travel, a major contributor to indirect (scope 3) emissions, the committee refined meeting formats, increased videoconferencing, introduced sustainable travel principles, and set carbon budgets for each department. This not only reduced emissions but also empowered staff with tools to monitor their CO₂ impact, fostering a culture of climate awareness. The IOC's commitment extends beyond its organizational boundaries, with a special emphasis on minimizing the carbon footprint of the Olympic Games. The organizing committees are mandated to reduce Games-related emissions and encourage stakeholders to take meaningful climate action. As a testament to this achievement, Geneva's iconic Jet d'Eau was illuminated in the colors of the Olympic rings, symbolizing the IOC's leadership in sustainability. 2050Today, a network of over 60 institutions in 'International Geneva,' including permanent missions and United Nations agencies, played a pivotal role in recognizing the IOC's efforts. The jury, comprising representatives from the Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva, the Industrial Services of Geneva (SIG), and 2050Today, acknowledged the IOC's dedication to environmental stewardship. The IOC's sustainability webpage (https://www.olympics.com/ioc/sustainability) and the latest Sustainability Report provide further insights into their climate commitments and progress, inviting stakeholders to join in the journey towards a greener future.
