SPORTS20 – Sport as a bridge builder for sustainability

SPORTS20 sees itself as a key enabler of sustainable transformation in sport. The initiative supports clubs, associations, event organizers, and decision-makers in integrating ecological and social responsibility directly and practically into their activities.

The SPORTS20 framework: a digital guide to sustainability

A core component of the initiative is the SPORTS20 framework, which is being digitized in 2025/26 with the support of the Wilo-Foundation. This sector-specific, step-by-step guide enables sports organizations— for the first time —to systematically assess and purposefully improve their sustainability performance.

At its events, SPORTS20 brings together experts from sport, business, and politics to highlight the transformative potential of sport and to formulate clear calls to action for the SDG agenda. Photo: SPORTS20 gGmbH

Another world is possible: With a systematic framework, sustainable transformation in sports organizations is being advanced. Photo: SPORTS20 gGmbH

Precise, measurable, and practical: Until now, there has been no uniform standard in sport for integrating the SDGs into the day-to-day operations of clubs or associations. The digital framework closes this gap:

Individual analysis: Organizations are assigned to their respective sport through a digital questionnaire.
Tailored solutions: Based on their responses, the platform provides customized recommendations for action.
Structured progress: The tool makes sustainability measurable and comparable and offers a clear framework for organizations of all sizes.

Strong partners from elite sport: The relevance of SPORTS20 is reflected in the involvement of prominent stakeholders. In addition to numerous international federations, Team Deutschland-Achter is also actively engaged in the initiative. The elite rowing squad, based at the Olympic Training Center in Dortmund, maintains close ties with the foundation: while Wilo serves as the main sponsor, the Wilo-Foundation specifically supports young talent. Together, they set a strong example for sustainable practices in elite sport.

Another focus of SPORTS20 is paving the way for future-proof sports infrastructure. As stadiums and training centers are complex consumers of resources, the framework identifies targeted areas for action to optimize sports facilities ecologically.

Global exchange for change: Representatives of the international SPORTS20 network at the “Global Sports and Sustainability Forum” in Cape Town in May 2025. Photo: SPORTS20 gGmbH

The SPORTS20 Steering Group plays a central strategic role. It supports the further development of the framework, ensures international alignment, and contributes expertise from sport, sustainability, and civil society. It currently includes representatives from various international organizations, such as the Green Sports Alliance, Sport Positive, Green Sports Alliance Japan, the Sports Environment Alliance, the Football Foundation for Africa, SUCCA Africa, the Jadir Taekwondo Association, the Karishma Ali Foundation, and Hong Kong China Rugby.

Photo Header: SPORTS20 gGmbH, Hamburg

Our funding partner

SPORTS20 gGmbH, based in Hamburg, was founded in 2023 to drive sustainable transformation worldwide by leveraging the potential of sport for social and environmental change. The initiative aims not only to use sport as a tool for social and ecological responsibility, but to establish it as a catalyst for cross-sector sustainability strategies. In cooperation with federations, athletes, and organizations, SPORTS20 works to make sporting events more sustainable, optimize governance structures, and promote innovative solutions with an impact that extends far beyond the world of sport.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forms the global framework for action for socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development. Our funding commitment also supports these sustainability goals. With this project, we are making a contribution to achieving the following SDGs:

What are the SDGs`?