The IJF has offset its carbon footprint to make the Budapest Grand Slam carbon neutral ©IJF

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has confirmed that its World Tour event in Budapest, Hungary, was its first carbon neutral event.

Across the Grand Slam's transport, hotel energy consumption, sport venue energy consumption, and food-related emissions, a total of 375 tonnes of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions were produced.

This is according to a report produced by the IJF, with the support of Croatian consultancy company the Energy Research and Environmental Protection Institute.

However, the IJF decided to offset the total emissions by purchasing the amount of carbon offsetting credits equal to its carbon footprint.

The event took place in the Hungarian capital from July 8 to 10 earlier this year with 405 athletes from 61 countries taking part.

The Hungarian Judo Association worked with the IJF to implement a set of measures aimed at increasing the sustainability level of the competition.

These included providing reusable drinking cups for visitors and ordering billboards for the competition venue that omitted the date so they could be reused for future events.

The IJF offset its emissions by supporting the Gunder Hydro Power Project in Antalya, with the carbon offsetting credits certified under the globally recognised Verra standard.

A total of 375 tonnes of CO2 were emitted from the hosting of the IJF Grand Slam in Budapest, but they have since been offset ©IJF
A total of 375 tonnes of CO2 were emitted from the hosting of the IJF Grand Slam in Budapest, but they have since been offset ©IJF

The project generates a substantial greenhouse gas emissions reduction by bringing carbon neutral electricity production to the Turkish grid.

In addition, a "green link" has been made between the two locations of the World Tour - Antalya and Budapest.

"With the Grand Slam Hungary 2022 carbon footprint established, after introducing several sustainability initiatives, organisers now have clear insight into the climate impact of all activities related to the event and can focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions even more in the future," read an IJF statement.

"It is clear that initiatives such as the performed assessment of the sport event carbon footprint are a valuable starting point for further climate actions in the future.

"These initiatives have a broad influence on all people and organisations involved in the event as it raises their awareness regarding the importance of minimising negative environmental impact.

"As we all know, even a small contribution towards sustainability can be a significant force for good and can help to create a sustainable culture."