A Future-Proof FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Sustainability plays an important role during the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. The Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) aims to demonstrate that elite sport and responsible use of people, resources, and the environment can go hand in hand. Throughout the event, visitors will gain insight into the sustainable choices being made behind the scenes as well as across the venue.
Energy: Lower Emissions, Smarter Use
The event site will operate primarily on grid electricity combined with a battery storage system. A diesel generator will only be used during peak demand periods. Compared to similar events, this approach significantly reduces the number of generators required and lowers overall emissions.
Materials: Reuse as the Starting Point
Circularity is a key principle in the use of materials. Many banners and other event branding elements have been produced without a year-specific design, allowing them to be reused at future events. Materials that cannot be reused will be taken back by suppliers for reuse or recycling.
Waste: Less Single-Use, More Reuse
Waste generated during the tournament will be carefully separated and collected. In addition, visitors will have access to twenty water refill stations located throughout the venue, helping to reduce the use of single-use plastic water bottles. Lost property that is not reclaimed will be given a second life through the sports equipment bank.
Mobility: Travelling Sustainably Together
Travel is responsible for a large share of the CO₂ emissions associated with events. To address this, the organisation encourages visitors to travel by public transport. In cooperation with regional transport providers, additional buses will operate after matches involving the Dutch teams, making it easier and more sustainable for supporters to travel to and from the venue.
Water: Giving Rainwater a Second Life
Smart choices are also being made in water management. Rainwater collected from the roof of Wagener Stadium is captured, filtered, and stored for later use in irrigating the hockey pitch. This maximises the use of rainwater and reduces the need for treated drinking water. In addition, both rainwater and irrigation water are collected on and around the pitch and reused whenever possible.
Building the Future of Hockey Together
Through these initiatives, the Hockey World Cup 2026 aims not only to be a sporting highlight, but also to demonstrate how hockey can contribute to a more sustainable future. The tournament serves as a platform to showcase and promote sustainability within the sport. Together, we are creating a future-proof hockey experience, both on and off the field.
Want to know more? Visit www.knhb.nl/duurzaamheid.