WBSC’s baseball-softball global headquarters featured as IOC sustainability case study

WBSC’s baseball-softball global headquarters featured as IOC sustainability case study
13/11/2020
Launched at last week’s IOC International (Sports) Federation (IF) Sustainability Session under the theme ‘Back to Basics to Build Back Better’, the 23 IOC sustainability case studies feature innovative initiatives by sports’ world governing bodies, covering topics such as climate change, infrastructure, education and social development.

The new, sustainable World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) headquarters has been featured as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) sustainability case study, showcasing the global baseball-softball community’s first major step towards a more sustainable future for all.

Launched at last week’s IOC International (Sports) Federation (IF) Sustainability Session under the theme ‘Back to Basics to Build Back Better’, the 23 IOC sustainability case studies feature innovative initiatives by sports’ world governing bodies, covering topics such as climate change, infrastructure, education and social development.

“A true commitment to creating a more sustainable future is not just about individual projects, it is about creating a sustainability focused culture that is fully integrated into all of an organisation’s operations,” said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. “For our sport’s long-term future and ongoing global development, this must start at the heart and home of an organisation, its headquarters. So, for the WBSC to go back to basics to build back better, we created a new home, one that truly reflects our commitment to taking credible action to create a more sustainable future.”

From its very inception as an idea, to the planning, design, renovation and realisation of Home Plate, the WBSC meticulously laid the foundations for a sustainable home. For example, approximately 10 per cent of the building’s electricity comes from twenty-four roof top photovoltaic panels, and an underfloor heating and cooling system uses hot and cold water to maintain an ideal office climate which can be maintained for 20 hours after the system is switched off.

A primary focus of this year’s Sustainability Session was the need to ensure that a long-term sustainability strategy is facilitated through short-term action. In view of this, the creation of Home Plate was a key step to inspiring a sustainable culture within the organisation.

And WBSC President Fraccari acknowledges that for sustainability to be at the heart of sport, it must become the new norm: “A sustainable home is just the beginning. We realise that for our sport to have a larger impact on securing the world’s future, sustainability must become business as usual. And this is why our headquarters is not just a physical building, it is a place where we can inspire a more sustainable day-to-day lifestyle.”  

At Home Plate, the use of single-use plastics is discouraged by a readily available drinking fountain which every employee is encouraged to use by using their own water flask. This also transcends to the location of the building, which is within walking distance of public transport, while bicycle parking facilities have been fitted to encourage employees to cycle to work.

With the foundations of its sustainability journey now laid, the WBSC will look to continue its journey, promoting best practices among its community.

“This journey is not just our own. It is an important journey that we share with all our 210 national federations and millions of players worldwide. Together, we are ready to take the next steps on our journey and, in alignment with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our sport will continue to promote environmental and social sustainability in everything we do.”

For the full WBSC Home Plate sustainable HQ case study, please click here.