SEOUL, Korea (Apr. 22, 2024) - As the world observes Earth Day on April 22nd, World Taekwondo (WT) announces its achievement of carbon neutrality for its internal operations in 2022. This milestone underscores WT’s commitment to environmental sustainability and marks its first steps towards contributing to global efforts to address climate change and protect our planet.
The process towards carbon neutrality involved a careful assessment of WT’s carbon footprint, encompassing all activities falling under Scopes 1, 2, and 3 of the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard. From business travel to energy consumption, the full extent of the organization’s operations was considered to quantify its environmental impact.
Key Findings and Impact
For the period from January 1st, 2022, to December 31st, 2022, World Taekwondo's total carbon footprint from measured activities amounted to 732.11 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This comprised Scope 1 emissions of 3.02 tonnes CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of 12.05 tonnes CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions of 717.04 tonnes CO2e.
The assessment revealed air travel as the most significant contributor to emissions, accounting for 78% of the total carbon footprint. Other notable sources included emissions from hotel stays (5%) and printing and recording services (4%).
World Taekwondo’s CO2e Report can be found here.
Offsetting Emissions
World Taekwondo offset its 2022 emissions by purchasing carbon credits. By balancing its carbon output with carbon removals through the retirement of 73 Verified Carbon Units (VCUs), WT demonstrates its commitment to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint and mitigating its environmental impact.
Moving Forward
While this assessment represents a relatively small portion of the emissions associated with WT-promoted events and those linked to the activities of the broader Taekwondo community, it serves as a crucial step towards fostering a culture of environmental consciousness within the sport.
As a signatory of both the UN Sport for Climate Action and IUCN Sports for Nature frameworks, WT is strongly committed to ongoing environmental stewardship and accountability. By implementing initiatives to monitor and reduce its carbon footprint over time, WT sets forth its intention to embed sustainable practices across the sport.
Conclusion
On this Earth Day, World Taekwondo's achievement of carbon neutrality is intended to serve as inspiration. By proactively addressing its carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices, World Taekwondo aims to set a positive example for the global Taekwondo family. As we celebrate Earth Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet and building a sustainable future for generations to come.
