Climate protection, resource efficiency, safety, health, economic sustainability—many of the challenges facing our society are more pressing than ever for sports organizations and sports structures as well. We are convinced that we can only overcome these challenges by working together. That is why we contribute our expertise to the public dialogue and build on close collaborations. Our particular strength lies in bridging the gap between science and practice.
"The issue of sustainability is becoming increasingly important for the future of winter sports. Our joint commitment within the Environmental Advisory Board is of paramount importance to us in securing the future of skiing.
The Foundation for Safety in Skiing has been an indispensable partner to the VDS in this regard for 50 years: dedicated, competent, and always keeping the big picture in mind."Henrik Volpert & Antonia Asenstorfer
(Chair of the VDS Executive Board; 2nd Vice Chair of the VDS Executive Board)
Projects: Dialogue
Description
In 1987, we became the first German sports federation to establish an advisory board for the environment and sustainable development in skiing. Together with the Advisory Board
for Medicine and Health and the Advisory Board for Law and Safety, these bodies now cover key pillars of the federation’s development. With their independent members from academia, business, and civil society, they provide critical and constructive input into our work and enrich it with valuable perspectives.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Sustainability, Transfer
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Associations | House of Ski
- Topic
- Expert Network, Dialog
- SDG
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Description
The consultation session provides a space for open dialogue and exchange among the state ski associations on the topic of sustainability. The goal is to discuss current issues together, share best-practice examples, and learn from one another. The consultation session is led by the DSV | SIS Sustainability Office.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- DSV, SIS
- Focus
- Transfer, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Society & Social Issues
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Associations | House of Ski
- Topic
- Dialog
- SDG
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Description
The Climate.Sports.Snow Expert Forum examines the future of snow sports from a climate science perspective. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, the forum aims to analyze challenges, identify opportunities, and develop strategies for the sustainable development of snow sports. In total, more than 20 authors from 14 scientific institutions are contributing to the forum, helping to present the current state of research from their respective disciplines and perspectives. The key findings and recommendations for action are continuously documented in position papers.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Sustainability, Future & Environment, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Associations | House of Ski
- Topic
- Climate Change, Dialog, Expert Network
- SDG
- SDG 13: Climate Action Measures
Description
The Alpine Climate Summit brings together experts from the scientific community, climate activists, and representatives from the business sector and leading media outlets in the Alpine region on the Zugspitze. The changes, challenges, and opportunities posed by climate change in the Alpine region will be discussed on site. The Foundation for Safety in Ski Sports provides scientific support to the Alpine Climate Summit.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Sustainability, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Associations | House of Ski
- Topic
- Dialog
- SDG
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Description
The SIS ECO Award is presented annually by the Foundation for Safety in Ski Sports to companies that demonstrate outstanding achievements in technical environmental protection and sustainable development. The award recognizes high quality and long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Sustainability, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Associations | House of Ski
- Topic
- SIS Seal of Quality, Dialog
- SDG
- SDG 13: Climate Action Measures
Description
This practical web portal is designed for future sports event organizers—whether they’re planning major international events or local sports festivals—who want to learn about specific steps they can take to plan and execute sustainable sports events. It offers practical guides, catalogs of measures and goals, checklists, and best practices that help systematically integrate sustainability criteria into event planning.
Project Partners
DOSB; Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln; Öko Institut e.V.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Transfer
- Area of Responsibility
- World Cup events
- Topic
- World Cup events, Dialog
- SDG
- SDG 4: Quality Education
Description
The Sustainability Report for the 2023 BMW IBU World Biathlon Championships provides open and transparent information about the challenges and specific sustainability achievements of the World Championships. Of particular note are the economic benefits for the region, the sustainable sports facilities for future generations, and the numerous projects for children, youth, and clubs.
Project Partners
Oberhof Sport und Event GmbH
- Time period
- 2021–2025
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Society & Social Issues, Safety & Health, Mountains & Nature, Resources & Infrastructure, Climate & Energy, Economy & Development
- Area of Responsibility
- World Cup events
- Topic
- World Cup events, Dialog
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Description
The 2021 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf were not only a major sporting event but also a pioneering example of sustainable event planning. Together with the market town of Oberstdorf and numerous partners, a comprehensive sustainability strategy was developed that takes environmental, social, and economic aspects into account in equal measure. The strategy outlines clear areas of action, each supported by appropriate indicators, and transparently assigns measures to them. Implementation was monitored to ensure compliance.
Project Partners
Marktgemeinde Oberstdorf
- Time period
- 2011–2020, 2021–2025
- Project Sponsor
- DSV, SIS
- Focus
- Sustainability, Future & Environment, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy, Resources & Infrastructure, Mountains & Nature, Safety & Health, Society & Social Issues, Economy & Development
- Area of Responsibility
- World Cup events
- Topic
- World Cup events, Dialog
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Description
Ruhpolding holds a special place in the winter sports scene. The 28 World Cup events and four IBU Biathlon World Championships that have already taken place in this small town are only possible because everyone is committed to a common goal: attractive, well-organized, and environmentally and economically sustainable competitions. The Green Legacy Report for the 2012 World Championships comprehensively documents the sustainability efforts.
- Time period
- 2001–2010, 2011–2020
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Sustainability, Transfer, Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy, Resources & Infrastructure, Mountains & Nature, Safety & Health, Society & Social Issues, Economy & Development
- Area of Responsibility
- World Cup events
- Topic
- World Cup events, Dialog
Description
In addition to the lessons learned from previous events, the “Guidelines for Environmentally Friendly Major Sporting Events—Green Champions” and the resulting sustainability plan served as an important foundation for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. After the event, the results were critically evaluated and published in this “Green Legacy Report.”
- Time period
- 2011–2020, 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- DSV, SIS
- Focus
- Sustainability, Future & Environment, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Economy & Development, Climate & Energy, Resources & Infrastructure, Mountains & Nature, Safety & Health, Society & Social Issues
- Area of Responsibility
- World Cup events
- Topic
- World Cup events, Dialog
Description
The DSV/SIS Sustainability Stakeholder Panel serves as a forum for dialogue with stakeholders and partners. It works constructively to provide advice on, develop, and prioritize measures; pools expertise; and promotes exchange among associations, athletes, partners, and other stakeholders such as destinations, industry, and academia. The focus is on the mutual exchange and networking of approaches aimed at sustainable progress. The panel is moderated by SIS.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- DSV, SIS, SNBGER
- Focus
- Transfer, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Economy & Development
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Associations | House of Ski
- Topic
- Dialog
- SDG
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals