The Rieti 2026 Local Organising Committee has unveiled the ESG framework that will guide the planning and delivery of the European Athletics U18 Championships, which will take place from 16 to 19 July.
Developed in collaboration with Enovation Consulting – a global sport sustainability agency – the framework integrates environmental, social and governance criteria into organisational processes, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and applicable international standards for sporting events.
Its implementation involves all operational functions of the Local Organising Committee, supported by dedicated training activities to ensure ESG requirements are applied within each area of responsibility. The approach focuses on managing, monitoring and reporting ESG performance, including the assessment of the event’s impacts and the ambition to contribute a positive and lasting legacy for the host territory.
Environmental
A set of operational measures has been planned to help reduce the event’s environmental impact.
On mobility, a dedicated shuttle service will operate between accommodation facilities and competition venues for athletes and volunteers, aiming to reduce the use of private transport for event-related travel.
Electronic ticketing will be introduced to reduce paper consumption. In terms of materials, actions will be taken to limit single-use plastics, including the installation of water refill points and a reduction in packaging. Waste separation will also be implemented across venues, supported by clear guidance for spectators to encourage proper sorting. The overall carbon footprint of the event will also be calculated.
Social
The social initiatives includes programmes engaging the local community through volunteering opportunities and the “Linea di Partenza” educational project, which involves secondary school students in a learning pathway focused on the values of sport and key topics for a more sustainable and inclusive society. It also includes the involvement of local athletics clubs, measures to ensure accessibility across competition venues, and initiatives addressing diversity, equity and inclusion. Additional elements include ESG-related communication activities and the integration of criteria related to food quality and nutritional balance within catering services.
Governance
Governance measures include ticket pricing accessibility policies, the implementation of health and safety standards for all participants with specific safeguards for minors, and the adoption of sustainable procurement criteria. The Local Organising Committee, with the support of Enovation Consulting, will prepare a post-event ESG report in line with leading international sustainability reporting standards.