With 500 days to go until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) is delighted to mark the milestone date with the news it has become a signatory to the UN Sports For Climate Action Declaration and Framework as part of a wider policy commitment to sustainability.

The announcement comes on the same day as Birmingham 2022 organisers have revealed that it will be the first ever carbon neutral Commonwealth Games, with a wide-ranging sustainability pledge and the creation of 2022 acres of forest, as well as 72 new urban forests linked to the 72 nations and territories competing at the Games.

In joining Sports for Climate Action, CGS unites with forward-thinking sporting organisations from around the world, including Birmingham 2022, through a set of key principles, from reducing our own environmental impact to a commitment to educate and promote sustainable and responsible consumption.

CGS, as Team Scotland, is responsible for selecting, preparing and leading Scotland’s team at the Commonwealth Games and sustainability is a key consideration as preparations progress towards Birmingham 2022. Working closely with athletes, sports and partners, CGS will put climate action, equality, and health and well-being at the heart of decision making in all aspects of Games planning.

Reflecting, CGS Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE said: “In signing the Declaration and Framework we recognise the climate emergency declared in 2019 by the Scottish Government and through its actions CGS will seek to become one of the most sustainable sporting organisations in Scotland.

“With Team Scotland being so important to people in Scotland, we recognise our  responsibility, and that of sport more widely, to be part of the climate change solution, acting where we can to reduce our impact and influence change. With the additional focus brought by COP26 being held in Glasgow later this year and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games next year, there is no time to waste.

“We welcome today’s announcement from Birmingham 2022 and look forward to working closely with them and other partners in achieving these ambitious goals, both through our own actions and as advocates for awareness and change.

“We have made early steps, but know we still have much to do. Sustainability will be a key feature of our ongoing decision making. With help from our athletes, we will continue to develop our actions and work with our sports and other organisations to identify where we can make a difference and how we can act collectively.”