Sustainability Roadmap 2023-2030

OUR MISSION

The European Handball Federation (EHF) as the umbrella organisation for handball in Europe with its 50 member and two associated federations acknowledges the challenges society faces because of climate change and its effects. The EHF also acknowledges the growing importance of sustainable actions, not only limited to the environment but also related to social and governance topics.

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We want to become one of the most sustainable team sport federations and pass on the sport to future generations in an even better state than we received it!
European Handball Federation

OUR VISION

European handball will play an active role in providing fairness for the people and the planet over the years to come. As an organisation, we set the following goals:

  • move towards climate neutrality
  • to be Europe’s thought leader for fairness and governance in sports
  • to foster an equal, inclusive, and skilled handball ecosystem and community

These goals relate to the EHF as an organisation, its championships and events as well to the overall European handball ecosystem and shall subsequently be developed and worked on together with all EHF stakeholders, including players, clubs, federations, event organisers and our partners. 

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Our fields of action

The EHF is dedicated to integrate sustainability into all aspects of operations. Guided by a vision to achieve carbon neutrality, promote inclusivity and implement sound governance practices, and an external analysis, we have identified three areas in which to take action.

Organisation: Our organisation will build robust governance structures and empower employees through education and leadership.

Operations and events: We will ensure sustainability across all aspects of business, including events, projects, and daily operations.

Ecosystem and partners: We will collaborate with our partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to promote sustainability across the value chain.

Our strategic approaches

Ecological sustainability

Achieving ecological sustainability is vital to addressing the climate crisis.

Achievements so far:

  • the new EHF House in Vienna achieved the gold standard ‘klimaaktiv’ certificate issued by the Austrian government
  • at the Men’s EHF EURO 2024 in Germany sustainability was a key focus, with a cooperation with Deutsche Bahn to limit emissions caused through plane travel
  • DEKRA became an official referee partner of the Men’s and Women’s EHF EURO 2026, highlighting the EHF's commitment to safety and sustainability
  • the EHF EURO Bid Book for 2030-2032 puts a focus on environmental sustainability

Climate action and energy

In light of the ongoing challenge of climate change, we believe it is crucial to take prompt and meaningful steps to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources. We recognise that achieving climate neutrality is not only vital for the planet but also essential for the long-term resilience and reputation of our organisation.

Long-term objectives:

  • CO2 assessment and reduction in organisation and competition system/events
  • responsible water and energy consumption
  • use the platform of handball to educate and advocate for climate action

Waste, consumption and recycling

Sustainability is not merely about reducing emissions; it is also about adopting a responsible approach to resource consumption. Our second priority is to minimise waste and maximise the recycling and reuse of materials throughout our operations, events and supply chains.

Long-term objectives:

  • demonstrate responsible use of resources in our own operations
  • ensure that products and services are consumed in an environmentally responsible manner
  • inspire and encourage European handball fans to adopt sustainable consumption and recycling practices

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Governance

Sustainable governance requires constant vigilance and development and has been a recent focus at the EHF.

Achievements so far:

  • implemented transparent democratic and communication processes
  • put in place gender equality strategy and initiatives
  • transparent 3 level legal system
  • EHF Anti Doping Unit
  • fraud detection system

External governance

Our fifth priority is to implement industry-leading governance practices that ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in all aspects of our organisation. This includes adhering to the highest standards of governance while proactively addressing issues such as corruption, doping, and safety in our external partnerships.

Long-term objectives:

  • EHF External Governance Handbook as a Europe-wide best practice set of rules in professional sport
  • integration of sustainability standards and specifications into award criteria, especially for all European championships

Internal governance

Effective governance relies on clear communication and engagement with all stakeholders, both internal and external. Our final priority is to ensure that our sustainability goals are supported by robust internal governance structures and that our progress is communicated transparently.

Long-term objectives:

  • establish an excellent best-in-class ESG governance organisation within the EHF
  • anchoring the EHF's best-in-class ESG governance organisation with 50 national federations and selected clubs in new "EHF Sustainability Committee"

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Social responsibility

Sport can be a positive driver for change in society, and the EHF has been implementing a number of strategic initiatives aimed at widening access to the sport across Europe.

Achievements so far:

  • establishment of EHF Social Fund, which has supported projects including the relief effort for the 2023 Turkish earthquake
  • set up in 2019, the ‘Respect your Talent’ programme supports young handball players who have stood out in Younger Age Competitions to develop their careers
  • the new Youth Club Trophy encourages the development of European handball for clubs
  • support of grassroots activities within the EHF Masterplan
  • development of an education system for coaches, managers, referees and officials
  • supported the development of wheelchair handball

Equality and inclusion

We believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only a moral imperative but also a key driver of innovation and success. We are prioritising the promotion of diversity and gender equality to ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive within our organisation.

Long-term objectives:

  • EHF as role model for equality and inclusion: the EHF is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, where all employees are treated with respect and dignity
  • ensure parity-based development of women's and men's handball
  • balanced perception of women's and men's handball across Europe

Health and education

The well-being and continuous professional development of our employees are essential to our success. Our fourth priority is to ensure that our workforce is not only healthy but also equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive sustainability initiatives.

Long-term objectives:

  • ensure a well-trained, professional team within the EHF, with a strong focus on sustainability
  • ensure a healthy and professionally (especially in sustainability) educated handball community in all national federations and clubs
  • ensure active and healthy handball players across Europe in all age groups in accordance with the EHF Circle of Handball Life

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