Sustainable Indoor Sports: Embracing Nature's Benefits

Indoor sports like Taekwondo and Squash may not seem like natural allies of the outdoors, but recent research and conversations that I’ve had and heard at sustainability conferences are shifting that perspective. Nature has a lot to offer indoor sports in areas we sometimes overlook – athlete mental health, environmental stewardship, and the development of sport facilities. Engaging with nature, even in small ways, can make a meaningful difference for athletes, communities, and the organisations supporting them.

Why Nature Matters for Mental Health and Performance

Indoor athletes, particularly those in high-stakes sports, can feel the strain of their competitive environments. Taekwondo athletes, for example, find themselves under tremendous mental pressure, as recently reported by World Taekwondo. The data is clear: nature has proven benefits for mental health, including reduced anxiety and improved resilience. Taking time in natural settings can help athletes recharge, sharpen focus, and reduce stress.

Research from WWF’s report, A Prescription for Nature, shows that experiencing nature leads to better mental health and overall well-being. Even a brief outdoor session, a walk in a green space, or mindfulness in a natural setting can help indoor athletes stay grounded. To explore this concept, imagine “bio blitzes” at events, where athletes observe and report on local wildlife outside their venue, connecting them with the environment (concept credit: Sam Barratt, UNEP). These moments could help build mental resilience and add a layer of environmental appreciation to indoor sports.

Nature-Friendly Facilities: A New Standard for Indoor Sports?

On a broader level, indoor sports facilities have an opportunity to evolve by considering nature in their design and operations. Climate change is already impacting many facilities, which face challenges like increased energy costs from rising temperatures and weather-related disruptions. Introducing green walls, native landscaping, and sustainable materials can not only improve energy efficiency but also make these spaces more enjoyable for athletes and fans alike.

Facility resilience is becoming a priority as we see these changes happening. Implementing sustainable practices such as eco-friendly materials, recycling programmes, and greener supply chains is critical to addressing the environmental footprint of indoor sports. These practices go beyond regulatory expectations, reflecting a proactive stance that benefits the community and signals a commitment to sustainability.

Sponsorship and Community Engagement: Nature Adds Value

This conversation is catching the attention of sponsors, too. At the Sport Positive Summit 2024, Julie Duffus from the IOC mentioned that nearly 70% of potential sponsors for one sports federation asked if they had a sustainability strategy, and if it included ‘nature’. Nature-based projects aren’t just feel-good initiatives – they’re strategic, helping sports organisations stand out to sponsors who prioritise environmental responsibility. From an engagement standpoint, nature offers a pathway to connect with local communities and young people who increasingly value sustainability.

Imagine small-scale nature walks, meditation gardens, or guided outdoor sessions around indoor venues. These spaces aren’t just “nice-to-haves” – they’re part of creating more inclusive environments that invite a broader community into the sport. And, as WWF’s research suggests, nature-based initiatives can help build healthier, more resilient communities, which, in turn, reflect well on the sports organisations involved.

The Next Step for Indoor Sports

Integrating nature into indoor sports isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about evolving the role sports can play in a changing world. Some practical, science-backed approaches could include green landscaping, supporting native plants, and implementing wildlife-friendly practices around facilities. Partnering with organisations that work on sustainable sourcing or recycling initiatives can also help sports organisations extend their environmental impact.

Indoor sports have a real opportunity to redefine what it means to be responsible and community-centered. Connecting with nature has benefits far beyond any single athlete or facility – it’s a way to be proactive, sustainable, and attuned to the world around us.

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