FIS Impact Programme: Q&A with FIS Sustainability Director

FIS released its newly developed Impact Programme, a sustainability action plan covering the period 2024-2026. Susanna Sieff, FIS Sustainability Director, tells us more about the creation, the purpose of this document and the concrete actions and projects related to it.

What is the FIS Impact Programme and what is its main purpose?

The FIS Impact Programme is our roadmap to a more sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem. It is a rolling document that will be updated constantly as the data and science evolves. This action plan allows the ski and snowboard family to work together towards a pathway to genuine social and environmental sustainability. The plan follows a holistic approach and includes projects with the National Ski Associations, Organizers, other sports organizations, and partners. Sustainability is a team effort and only together we can have a great impact and create change.

What was the process of creating this document and who was involved?

The creation process started with in-depth conversations with some of the key stakeholders of FIS (NSAs, LOCs, FIS Partners, the IOC and other sports federations and the FIS team) to be able to do an analysis of the status quo and to understand expectations in terms of strategic goals and actions. The refinement and project identification work were then done with the FIS management board.

Who will this document specifically serve and how?

The FIS Impact Programme is directed towards the FIS family. It guides the FIS Staff in their activities, both ecologically and socially. But it also helps our stakeholders to understand what projects and next steps they can expect from FIS. We don’t want to duplicate projects but streamline our efforts and move together.

Strategic objectives are clearly stated in the FIS Impact Programme - which objectives are pursued in priority and why?

There are no strategic objectives to be pursued as a priority, they are all interrelated and equally important in terms of balance and responsibility. Also, the UN SDGs, in the Agenda 2030, emphasize the interconnected environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable development by putting 360 degrees sustainability at their centre.

You have a lot of experience in the area of sustainability, do you have a ‘favorite’ objective in the plan that you are looking forward to achieving?

Certainly, the goal of “Reducing the carbon footprint of FIS activities by 50% by 2030 + NET-ZERO target by 2040” is very important because it means we have succeeded in changing procedures in environmental sectors. For example, increasing the circular and proximity economy surely helps us to reduce emissions, and so we link up with the circular economy part of the programme with all the dedicated projects. But for me another fundamental objective is human rights with also inclusion.

What is FIS next step regarding its Impact Programme?

Following the timing within the Programme, the next steps are to ground the projects we have set ourselves to achieve by the end of summer 2024, which include for example a new web platform for fans with a CO2 calculator and suggestions on how to reduce their carbon footprint in daily life; free education sessions on climate change and environmental protection; a sustainability guide for ski resorts; the start of a Webinar Series for the female athlete; a specific Steering Group within the FIS Management to identify targets and projects to promote and increase gender equity and many more.