Sporting minnows and sporting giants alike have been recognised for their efforts off the pitch – for making the UK sports industry more sustainable, including Planet Earth Games. The British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS) Sustainable Sport Awards 2021 awarded organisations for introducing initiatives that reduce their environmental impacts while enhancing their social and economic influence.

The event took place at The Oval Cricket Ground on 19 October, part of BASIS’ tenth anniversary celebrations. BASIS is thrilled to announce that the winners and highly-commended runners up in each category are as follows:

Club Strategy / Strategic Leadership Award
WINNER: Shoreham FC
RUNNER UP: Norwich City FC
RUNNER UP: Southampton FC Halo Effect

Social Impact, Engagement and/or Education
WINNER: People & Work
RUNNER UP: Planet Earth Games
RUNNER UP: RYA Green Blue

Innovation: Initiatives and Products
WINNER: Racing Foundation and Thoroughbred Breeders Association
RUNNER UP: Tiger Up!
RUNNER UP: Planet Super League

Media and Outreach
WINNER: Sky Summer of Sustainable Sport
RUNNER UP: BBC Sport 2050
RUNNER UP: Emergency on Planet Sport

BASIS also took the opportunity to recognise three individual athletes – all Planet Earth Games ambassadors – which it feels are a shining example to sport because of their contribution to sustainability: Melissa Wilson, rower Hannah Mills, sailor Joe Cooke, cricketer

In addition, BASIS awarded Steve Issac, recently retired as the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) Director of Sustainability, a lifetime honorary membership for his dedication to improving sustainability in golf over the past decade.

Dr Russell Seymour, CEO of BASIS, commented: “Our panel of judges were so impressed by the calibre of entries, it was an incredibly hard process to select the winners. What delighted us most was how this competition provided a level playing field. We had entries from small, grassroots clubs, we had entries from Premier League football teams, but what mattered most was the amount of thought and effort each organisation put in, and the proportionate effect that it had within its community”.

He added: “And with this event we have brought together organisations from all over the UK, all of which have similar planetary goals in mind. We have been able to share experiences and lessons learned, so we see this as the start of a great journey of collaboration and innovation within the UK sports industry”. BASIS wishes to sincerely thank all entrants, as well as the event’s sponsors. These included Levy UK, who provided a plant-based lunch at the event, Shoot The Company, who filmed the event, Musco Lighting and Veolia – all companies who offer sustainable solutions to the sector and beyond.