FIL takes first major step toward a more sustainable future for luge
Berchtesgaden (FIL/20 May 2025) The International Luge Federation (FIL) has officially launched its Sustainability Working Group, thereby making a clear commitment to protecting the environment and the future of luge. In light of the increasing impact of climate change on winter sports, the FIL wants to be part of the solution.
The FIL signed the IOC agreement “Sports for Climate Action Framework”, thereby joining the international sports network for greater climate protection. FIL President Einars Fogelis, IOC Chief Sustainability Officer Julie Duffus, and FIL Secretary General Dwight Bell are delighted with the cooperation following the signing. By participating in this initiative, the FIL is committed to the overarching mission of bringing the sports sector to net-zero emissions by mid-century, in line with the 1.5-degree temperature rise target set out in the Paris Agreement.
“We know that climate change and sustainability are among the biggest challenges we face today,” said Hannah Campbell-Pegg, Olympian and member of the new FIL working group. ”Climate change directly affects our sport, and we have a responsibility to ensure that luge has a future for the next generation.”
To combine their efforts, the FIL has joined the United Nations' “Sport for Climate Action” framework and committed to taking action in five key areas:
- Acting more responsibly toward the environment
- Reducing the climate impact of sport
- Educating others about climate action
- Using resources more sustainably
- Advocating for climate action
“This is a good starting point,” said FIL Secretary General Dwight Bell. ”Our first major task is to find out how much CO2 we currently produce and then work towards halving that figure by 2030.”
A new beginning with smart tools
The FIL Sustainability Working Group has only officially started its work, but has already made some initial progress. Thanks to former German top athlete and data expert Dr. Julian von Schleinitz, the FIL has a tool for calculating its carbon footprint – an important first step.
“There aren't many sustainability systems in place yet, but that also means we can build something new and creative from the ground up,” said Campbell-Pegg.
Since last year, the FIL has been working with the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) on a joint sustainability dashboard. This tool helps both organizations plan their seasons with sustainability in mind – in particular by reducing travel emissions, which account for a large proportion of CO2 emissions in sport.
This tool supports both organizations in their seasonal planning by taking into account the CO2 emissions caused by travel and positioning the season in such a way that, based on weather data and the energy consumption of all artificial ice tracks, the sports calendar is optimized in terms of CO2 emissions for all competitions.
“We will be able to track our progress and see real results by measuring how much we reduce our carbon footprint each year,” said Bell.
Transparency, education, and teamwork
The FIL is committed to disclosing its progress. As part of its IOC and UN commitment, it will publish annual climate reports. Educating athletes and partners, engaging the public, and partnering with other sports are all part of the overall plan.
“I believe that athletes can be a powerful voice for change - after all, they are the ones most affected by climate change,” said Campbell-Pegg. ”It's important that they are involved in this process.”
The FIL's full climate strategy is still under development, as are specific guidelines for organizing sustainable events and adapting to changing weather conditions. However, this early stage provides a great opportunity to develop strong and flexible solutions.
“The more data we collect, the better we can identify where the biggest problems lie and focus our efforts there,” said Bell. “This is just the beginning, but we are on the right track.”
The Sustainability Working Group consists of:
- Dwight Bell (USA), FIL Secretary General
- Hannah Campbell-Pegg (AUS), Olympian and President Australian Luge Federation
- Dr. Julian von Schleinitz (GER), former elite athlete and data scientist
A shared responsibility
“Sustainability is not about competition, it's about collaboration,” said Campbell-Pegg. “All sports must do their part to make the world a better place.”
Further updates and plans will follow as the FIL continues on its path toward a greener future.
