Environmental commitment of the DDPS and the Swiss Armed Forces
The DDPS and the Swiss Armed Forces have set themselves the ambitious goal of neutralizing all CO2 emissions from the 2025 Military World Winter Games. CO2 sequestration and organizational measures will be taken to achieve this goal. In addition, the Winter Games are to be completely sustainable, which means that existing infrastructure and available materials will be used exclusively. For example, no village will be built, but the athletes will be accommodated in barracks. In addition, no special materials will be purchased; instead, the equipment required for the disciplines will be rented.
CO2 sequestration: a partnership with EDAPHOS ENGINEERING
In collaboration with the organizing committee, the company Edaphos Engineering SA was selected as a partner for CO2 sequestration. The Swiss company, based in the Geneva region, specializes in the biologicalsequestration of CO2 in the soil. A first phase in 2024 enabled the sequestration of 500 tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2eq). The remaining emissions from the Military World Winter Games will be sequestered in the second half of 2024 and in 2025. This will ensure that the event lives up to its commitment to CO2 neutrality.
Biological sequestration is a specific engineering process that makes it possible to bind CO2 in the soil through the action of bacteria and microscopic fungi, thus establishing a special cycle. This enables infertile or degraded soils to be qualitatively and functionally upgraded within a few months. As part of the partnership with Edaphos Engineering SA, the sequestration of 500 tCO2eq enabled the restoration and renaturation of almost two hectares of sterile or degraded urban soils exclusively in Switzerland.
Organizational measures to reduce emissions
Parallel to biological sequestration, additional organizational measures are planned to minimize the environmental impact of the Military World Winter Games. These measures include:
1. the reduction of food waste (food waste) through appropriate menu planning;
2. transportation management with careful planning and use of all available means;
3. the use of existing infrastructures to promote the proximity of athletes to the competition venues
4. the use of green energy for all infrastructures.
A model for sustainable sporting events
The commitment of the DDPS and the Swiss Armed Forces to CO2 neutrality at the 2025 Military World Winter Games is an important example of the sustainable organization of major sporting events. The efforts show that it is possible to reconcile the celebration of international military sport with sustainable development for the benefit of our society.
By integrating sustainable practices and investing in CO2 sequestration technologies, the 2025 Military World Winter Organizing Committee is sending a strong message about the importance of sustainability in all aspects of our society. These initiatives will serve as a model for future national and international sporting events. It demonstrates that concrete action can be taken to combat climate change while nations come together under shared values.