As Denmark gears up for some of the biggest international sporting events, including the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, the 2025 Men’s Handball World Championship, but also EuroSkills at MCH Messecenter Herning, the country is setting a new standard for sustainable, cross-event collaboration.
In an ambitious partnership model, the Danish approach integrates sports federations, host cities, Sport Event Denmark, and leading venues to ensure sustainability and responsible event execution.
This united “event triangle” aims to make an impact beyond just the sports themselves, highlighting a shared responsibility to prioritize environmental and social sustainability. “With the upcoming IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, we see a unique opportunity to influence the sustainability agenda in sports and reach thousands of attendees both locally and internationally. Our commitment is not just in words but in tangible actions that will leave a legacy for future events,” said Majken Skræddergaard Urup, Head of Hospitality & Sustainability at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.
The cross-event collaboration is pioneering new practices in sustainable event management. Key sustainability initiatives include waste reduction, circular economy strategies, responsible food sourcing, and an inclusive volunteering programme that promotes social sustainability. In partnership with local organisations, locally sourced materials are used to construct team dressing rooms, while inclusive volunteer roles encourage involvement from individuals with disabilities.
The coordinated effort is supported by an interdisciplinary workshop held at the Jyske Bank Boxen arena. Representatives from each event’s sustainability teams, alongside MCH and Sustainable Herning, are collaborating to develop best practices and shared protocols that focus on environmental responsibility and enhanced social engagement. “Our joint workshops are key to creating a cohesive approach. It’s been inspiring to witness the commitment to not only implementing but also communicating sustainable practices,” said Maria Galmstrup, Sustainability Project Leader at MCH.
CEO of Sport Event Denmark, Lars Lundov, added: “Denmark’s unique model of shared responsibility between national sports federations, host cities, and Sport Event Denmark makes it a frontrunner in advancing sustainable event practices. By prioritizing sustainability in major international sporting events, Denmark demonstrates how partnerships can elevate responsibility across the sports industry, setting a benchmark for future international sporting collaborations”.
Sport Event Denmark is Denmark’s national organisation dedicated to attracting and hosting major international sports events. Working closely with national sports federations, municipalities, and leading venues, Sport Event Denmark plays a key role in the successful execution and promotion of Denmark as a top destination for sporting events worldwide.
