Sustainability will not only be the main theme of this year’s EASM gathering in Budapest but will also be embodied in several programmes.
The European Association for Sport Management (EASM) will organize a conference titled “Sustainability in Sport Management” between September 2 and 5 at the Hungarian University of Sports Science in Budapest.
In connection with this, the event organizers are preparing several green programmes to emphasize the importance of sustainability in other areas of life as well.
With the Train Challenge, the organizers aim to encourage attendees to travel to the Hungarian capital by train instead of flying, if possible, in order to reduce their CO₂ footprint. As is well known, trains emit significantly less carbon dioxide per passenger than airplanes, as they are a more energy-efficient mode of transportation. Additionally, many railway lines are electrified, meaning they can even run on renewable energy, further reducing the environmental impact.
During the student seminar, there will be a tree planting event at the host institution’s Velence Water Sports and Recreation Centre. This programme is one of the simplest and most effective ways to promote sustainability directly, as trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂), thereby reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, purifying the air, and producing oxygen. They also improve soil quality, retain water, and provide habitats for numerous plant and animal species.
At the conference, water points, walking distance maps, and an app will be created, and digital programmes will also be organized. Emphasis will also be placed on sustainable catering and food waste reduction. In the implementation of the awareness campaign related to this, the selection of the catering company was a key consideration, and the local municipality is also actively involved.
The focus will also be on the carbon footprint target (reducing it below 462.5 tons), as well as visualizing the walking distance between the university campus and the hotels, which will strengthen Budapest’s image as a “walkable city.”
