The International Triathlon Union today further reinforced its commitment to integrating sustainability principles into all aspects of its culture and operational practices by launching the ITU Sustainability Commission, with the commission members being from all five continents.  ITU Sustainable Policy Document, a guide to the best social, environmental and financial practice for the wider triathlon community, set to be released spring next year, will be the first key project of the commission.

ITU recognises that sustainability is not only about ecological conservation, but is about attaining balance and believes that the triathlon community has a responsibility to care for and protect the environment in which we operate today and in the future.  The commission will play a vital role to advocate the sustainability principles and to lead the people in sport to take actions.

Initially, the commission will focus on sustainable best practice in: Green Offices, Buying Policy, Communication, Responsible Mobility, Waste Management, Water Management, Power, Noise, and Education. The policy document is to give specifications on these areas, which will be fully mobilised in the ITU Triathlon events in the coming years.

Members of the ITU Sustainability Commission are:
{exp:list_maker}Africa: Dr. Siku Jagun, (NIG)
Americas: Gerardo Zetina (MEX)
Asia: Chen, Xiaoran (CHN)
Europe: Ian Braid (GBR)
Oceania: Terry Sheldrake (NZL)
Athletes’ Committee: Jessica Harrison (FRA)
Staff Liaison: Enrique Quesada
Executive Board Liaison: Loreen Barnett (ITU Secretary General){/exp:list_maker}

Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member, said:
“It is crucial for ITU to take the lead in environmental awareness in international sport as the planet itself is our competition venue.  ITU is fully committed to improving the environmental impact of how we operate across all our business activities and will encourage our members and other stakeholders in the wider triathlon community to collaborate with us in this commitment.”