Optimist Worlds 2017 declared as first carbon neutral sporting event in Thailand
by Optimist World Championship Organising Committee 11 Mar 2018 20:30 AEDT
11-21 July 2017
Recognising carbon offset supporters © Matias Capizzano
The Optimist World Championship 2017 has been officially acclaimed 'Carbon Neutral' by Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (TGO).
The record-breaking Optimist World Championship held in Thailand on 11 - 21 July 2017 has received official endorsement from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Organisation (TGO) as a carbon neutral event, the first such sporting event in Thailand to achieve this feat.
It was a collaborative initiative between TGO, the Optimist World Championship Organising Committee supported by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and endorsed by auditors Bureau Veritas, to calculate and offset the total carbon dioxide emitted at the Optimist World Championship held at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pattaya, Thailand.
The Optimist World Championship attracted over 282 competitors and a further 300 supporters from 62 countries. When calculating local transportation from airport and hotels, safety boat engines, electricity, water, and mile flown, the event had a large carbon footprint. The furthest team (Peru) travelled over 25,000 miles.
In total, 1,381 tons of CO2 (carbon dioxide) was consumed.
To offset the CO2, the organisers further collaborated with Mitr Phol Bio-Power Co., Ltd to purchase 'carbon credits' to support a biomass facility in Danchang province that burns waste from sugar cane to generate renewable electricity. This carbon reduction project also helps creates a new job, providing employment and generating income to local community.
Sumon Sumetchoengprachya, Director of Carbon Business Office at Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) said "we would like to express our sincere congratulations to the Royal Varuna Yacht Club and the Optimist World Championship 2017 organising committee for this remarkable milestone, the first carbon neutral sporting event in Thailand. This demonstrates Thailand's capabilities in reducing environmental consequences by using the carbon offsetting mechanism. Hopefully, the Optimist World Championship organising committee will continue this outstanding leadership to ensure sustainable sailing events in the future and continue to be part of our strong alliance in combating climate change to achieve the 'below 2o C' global common goal."
Kevin Whitcraft, President of Optimist Class Association, added "sailing is naturally dependent on the environment. Our goal as the International Optimist Dinghy Association is to educate youth from sailing skills, safety skills, and to being aware of and protect the environment. We congratulate the Royal Varuna Yacht Club and the organizing committee of the 2017 IODA World Championships in achieving this success. It is great that Thailand is leading the way in World Sailings sustainability program for the environment."
Mark Hamill-Stewart, Royal Varuna Yacht Club Commodore, advised that "with 62 countries participating, it was a privilege for the Club to organise such a large carbon neutral event proving that Thailand can be among the world leaders in conducting totally green events. Special thanks to Thailand Greenhouse Gas Organisation, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and of course the organising committee at the Club for allowing the Royal Varuna Yacht Club to make this to happen."