(PAWF) Climate Action Plan 2024-2025

Introduction

The Pan American Weightlifting Federation (PAWF) reaffirms its commitment to addressing the urgent global challenge of climate change, in alignment with the international sports community. As a signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, PAWF recognizes its responsibility to contribute actively to the protection of both the environment and the long-term sustainability of our sport.

This Climate Action Plan, presented in 2025 and based on operational and value chain data from 2024, outlines the concrete actions and measurable progress achieved by PAWF in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Building upon the 2022 baseline, the Federation continues to advance toward its ambition of achieving a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions across its operations and value chain by 2040.

The progress observed during 2024 demonstrates PAWF’s commitment to translating climate ambition into practical action. Through improved operational efficiency, optimized travel practices, enhanced event management, and greater engagement with suppliers and partners, sustainability considerations have been progressively embedded into day-to-day operations and strategic planning.

Beyond emissions reduction, this plan highlights how climate considerations are being integrated into PAWF’s core governance, development programs, and event delivery. PAWF acknowledges that meaningful climate action requires systemic change and collective effort. In this regard, the Federation remains committed to contributing to the objectives of the Paris Agreement by promoting education, collaboration, and advocacy throughout the Pan American weightlifting community.

Methodology

PAWF has clearly defined the scope of its carbon emissions and established a baseline measurement using the 2022 calendar year. In accordance with the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, emissions associated with PAWF’s operations, events, and athlete travel have been included within the organizational boundary. Spectator travel continues to be excluded, as PAWF has limited influence over this component.

For the 2024 reporting period, PAWF strengthened its data collection and assessment processes, allowing for improved consistency and comparability with the 2022 baseline. Emissions data for 2024 have been compiled using a combination of operational records, activity-based estimates, and reasonable assumptions where direct measurement was not yet available.

To identify priority areas for emissions reduction and better understand the Federation’s most carbon-intensive activities, PAWF conducted structured consultations with key staff across core functional areas, including events, operations, development, governance, and marketing. These qualitative insights were complemented by a detailed analysis of available quantitative data related to energy consumption, travel patterns, transportation, and waste generation.

While certain emissions categories continue to rely on estimates, PAWF is committed to progressively improving data accuracy through enhanced reporting mechanisms, standardized data collection practices, and the gradual integration of digital monitoring tools. This methodology provides a robust and transparent foundation for tracking progress, informing decision-making, and strengthening PAWF’s climate action strategy over time.

Our Plan

Our Ambition

PAWF’s climate action efforts continue to be guided by three long-term targets, reaffirmed through the progress achieved up to 2024:

• Short-term:
  Achieve a 15% reduction in operational emissions (Scope 1, 2 & 3) by 2026, compared to the 2022 baseline.
• Medium-term:
  Achieve a 50% reduction in operational emissions by 2030, compared to the 2022 baseline.
• Long-term:
  Achieve net-zero emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 by 2040.

The results observed in 2024 indicate that PAWF remains on a positive trajectory toward meeting its short- and medium-term climate objectives.

Our Baseline and 2024 Progress

Following the establishment of the 2022 baseline (26,770 kg CO₂e), PAWF continued to reduce its carbon footprint through sustained operational and organizational improvements. In 2024, further progress was achieved as a result of ongoing climate initiatives and improved efficiency measures.

PAWF’s estimated emissions for 2024 are as follows:

• Electricity consumption:
  720 kg CO₂e
  (Approximately 20% reduction compared to 2022, driven by continued use of LED lighting, energy-efficient equipment, and optimized office occupancy.)

• International air travel:
  18,500 kg CO₂e
  (Approximately 25% reduction compared to 2022, reflecting expanded use of virtual and hybrid meetings and improved travel planning.)

• Taxi and local transportation:
  520 kg CO₂e
  (Further reductions achieved through improved transportation practices and increased use of public and shared transport options.)

• Waste generation (non-recycled):
  15 kg CO₂e
  (Continued improvement through digital workflows and strengthened recycling practices.)

Total Estimated Emissions – 2024: 19,755 kg CO₂e

This represents an approximate 26% reduction compared to the 2022 baseline, confirming PAWF’s continued commitment to reducing its environmental impact and contributing to global climate objectives.

Emissions Analysis and Data Quality

Each emissions category was carefully evaluated to capture PAWF’s operational footprint. Although electricity consumption represents a relatively small share of total emissions, it remains an important area for efficiency gains and continuous improvement.

International air travel continues to account for the largest proportion of PAWF’s emissions, reflecting the global and regional nature of the Federation’s governance, competitions, and development activities. As such, PAWF prioritizes travel optimization and the expansion of virtual engagement as key emissions reduction strategies.

PAWF acknowledges that its baseline and subsequent emissions figures include estimates and assumptions, as detailed in the baseline methodology. The Federation remains committed to progressively refining the accuracy of its emissions data through improved reporting, regular reassessment, and enhanced data collection mechanisms. This evolving baseline provides a robust foundation for tracking progress toward PAWF’s short-, medium-, and long-term climate targets.

2. Our Operations

Emissions Reduction Strategy: Operations

In 2024, PAWF continued to strengthen the operational measures initiated in previous years, achieving further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through improved efficiency, optimized resource use, and changes in operational practices.

Key operational achievements in 2024 include:

• Air Travel Optimization:
  PAWF further reduced emissions related to international air travel by consolidating travel requirements and expanding the use of virtual and hybrid meetings for governance, technical coordination, and development activities.
  As a result, air travel emissions were reduced to an estimated 18,500 kg CO₂e, representing a significant improvement compared to both the 2022 baseline and 2023 performance. PAWF continues to explore carbon-offset mechanisms for unavoidable travel, while prioritizing emissions reduction at source.

• Energy Efficiency:
  Building on the installation of LED lighting and the use of energy-efficient office equipment, PAWF optimized office occupancy and energy consumption patterns in 2024.
  These measures resulted in electricity-related emissions of approximately 720 kg CO₂e, reflecting continued progress in reducing operational energy demand.

• Waste Management:
  PAWF strengthened its waste reduction strategy through expanded digital workflows and improved recycling practices. Reduced paper usage and better waste segregation further minimized non-recycled waste.
  Consequently, emissions from non-recycled waste were reduced to an estimated 15 kg CO₂e, contributing to more sustainable office operations.

PAWF’s Climate Action Plan continues to provide a clear framework of targets and actions to guide operational emissions reductions. The progress achieved in 2024 demonstrates PAWF’s commitment to embedding sustainability into daily operations while advancing toward its medium- and long-term climate objectives.

3. Our Value Chain

Emissions Reduction Strategy: Value Chain

PAWF continues to recognize that a significant share of its greenhouse gas emissions originates beyond its direct operational control, within its value chain. As such, the Federation remains committed to engaging suppliers, partners, and event stakeholders to ensure that sustainability principles are embedded across all stages of its activities.

In 2024, PAWF further strengthened its emissions reduction strategy within the value chain by prioritizing sustainable procurement and environmentally responsible event management practices.

Key actions and results in 2024 include:

• Sustainable Procurement:
  PAWF increased the proportion of goods and services sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers, reaching approximately 70% of total procurement. This progress reflects the integration of environmental criteria into supplier selection processes and advances PAWF toward its 2026 target of 80% sustainable procurement.

• Event Logistics and Management:
  PAWF continued to implement greener event management practices, including the use of energy-efficient equipment, optimized transport planning, and increased reliance on shared and low-emission transportation options for event logistics.
  As a result, emissions associated with event logistics were reduced by an estimated 18% compared to the 2022 baseline, positioning PAWF close to its medium-term objective of a 20% reduction by 2026.

• Supplier Engagement:
  In 2024, PAWF intensified dialogue with key suppliers and event partners to promote awareness of climate commitments and encourage alignment with recognized environmental standards. This engagement has laid the groundwork for more structured sustainability requirements in future contractual arrangements.

PAWF’s Climate Action Plan continues to define clear targets and actions to drive emissions reductions across its value chain. The progress achieved in 2024 demonstrates the Federation’s commitment to extending climate responsibility beyond its direct operations and fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the Pan American weightlifting ecosystem.

4. Our Business Strategy

Business Model Integration

In 2024, PAWF continued to advance the integration of sustainability into its organizational strategy, ensuring that climate considerations increasingly inform its governance, planning, and investment decisions. This approach reflects PAWF’s commitment to aligning its business model with long-term climate objectives and responsible sports management.

To support this alignment, PAWF has prioritized the following strategic actions:

• Integration of Sustainability into Governance and Strategy:
  Sustainability principles have been progressively incorporated into internal planning processes, guiding operational, event-related, and partnership decisions. By 2024, climate-related considerations were increasingly embedded in management discussions and strategic evaluations, supporting PAWF’s objective to fully integrate sustainability into all decision-making processes by 2026.

• Mission and Vision Alignment:
  During 2024, PAWF initiated a review of its mission and vision statements to ensure that environmental responsibility and climate action are clearly reflected in the Federation’s long-term strategic direction. This process reinforces sustainability as a core organizational value rather than a standalone initiative.

• Investment and Renewable Energy Exploration:
  PAWF explored opportunities to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources by assessing the feasibility of renewable energy solutions for future events and operations. While large-scale implementation remains a medium-term objective, these assessments represent a critical step toward cleaner energy use across PAWF activities.

• Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration:
  In 2024, PAWF strengthened collaboration with environmentally responsible partners, including sports organizations and service providers aligned with sustainability values. These partnerships support knowledge-sharing, innovation, and collective action across the sport sector.

PAWF’s Climate Action Plan continues to guide adjustments to its business model and investment priorities, ensuring alignment with climate commitments while supporting the long-term development and integrity of weightlifting in the Pan American region.

5. Our Wider Influence in Society

Wider Influence on Society

In 2024, PAWF continued to strengthen its role as an advocate for climate action within the sport sector and the wider community. Recognizing the influential position of sport in driving behavioral change, the Federation expanded its outreach efforts to promote sustainability beyond its direct operations.

Key initiatives implemented in 2024 include:

• Climate Advocacy in Sport Governance:
  PAWF actively promoted climate-conscious practices within regional and continental sport governance forums, sharing best practices and encouraging peer federations to integrate emissions reduction and sustainability commitments into their organizational strategies. These efforts contributed to increased awareness and alignment on climate action across the Pan American sport community.
• Education and Awareness:
  PAWF expanded its sustainability awareness initiatives targeting athletes, coaches, officials, and staff. Through digital communications, workshops, and event-based messaging, PAWF emphasized the role of individual actions—such as responsible travel choices, energy conservation, and waste reduction—in supporting broader climate goals.

• Youth and Community Engagement:
  In 2024, PAWF strengthened engagement with youth athletes and local communities by supporting educational activities focused on environmental responsibility. These initiatives included sustainability-focused workshops and symbolic environmental actions designed to foster long-term climate awareness and leadership among young participants in the sport.

PAWF’s Climate Action Plan outlines a continued commitment to using its platform to advocate for climate-friendly policies and to support athletes, partners, suppliers, and communities in the transition toward a more sustainable and net-zero future.

6. Our Governance

Governance Alignment with Climate Goals

PAWF continues to strengthen its governance framework to ensure full alignment with its climate commitments. Climate considerations are increasingly embedded into decision-making, internal policies, and reporting processes, supporting accountability and long-term emissions reductions.

To align governance practices with climate goals, PAWF has focused on the following strategic actions:

• Virtual and Hybrid Governance Meetings:
  PAWF continued to prioritize virtual and hybrid formats for congresses, executive meetings, and technical coordination sessions in 2024. This approach significantly reduced the need for international travel related to governance activities.
  As a result, governance-related travel emissions were reduced by an estimated 35% compared to the 2022 baseline, exceeding the initial reduction target set for the 2023–2026 period.

• Sustainable Transportation Practices:
  PAWF reinforced incentives for staff and officials to use public transportation and other low-emission travel options for local and regional activities. These measures contributed to an estimated 20% reduction in local transportation emissions in 2024, reflecting increased adoption of sustainable mobility practices.

• Transparency and Reporting:
  In line with good governance principles, PAWF continued to strengthen transparency by integrating climate-related information into its reporting processes. The Federation prepared its 2024 sustainability disclosures, building on previous reporting efforts and ensuring regular updates on emissions performance, progress toward targets, and identified improvement areas.

Continuous Improvement and Review

PAWF remains committed to continuous improvement in climate governance. The effectiveness of this Climate Action Plan will be regularly reviewed, with lessons learned incorporated into future planning cycles.

In 2025, PAWF will reassess its greenhouse gas emissions using improved data collection methodologies and will further refine its governance mechanisms to support a comprehensive and long-term sustainability strategy for the Federation and the sport of weightlifting across the Pan American region.

Contact

If you have any questions or feedback regarding our Climate Action Plan, please contact us at insert PAWF contact email.