LONDON, November 10, 2021 (ATP Press Release)
The ATP has this month become a signatory of UN Sports for Climate Action (UNSCA), setting ambitious sustainability targets for men’s professional tennis. The announcement comes in parallel with the COP 26 summit in Glasgow, and the rollout of a comprehensive new strategy developed under ATP Serves to accelerate and align sustainability efforts across the Tour.
The UNSCA, a major international framework that counts over 250 rights holders and governing bodies as signatories, aligns the sports industry in working towards the <2°C warming target set in the Paris Agreement. As a signatory, the ATP has adopted the framework’s two global targets: achieving a 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, by 2030, and Net Zero emissions, by 2040. ATP will be responsible for tracking and reporting key sustainability data over the period and will take part in regular working group sessions with other members.
Dominic Thiem speaks in support of the ATP Serves Sustainability strategy.
To achieve the targets set out by UNSCA, the ATP has been developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy over the past 18 months. Created in collaboration with UK-based sustainability experts Jonathan Smith, Amanda Curtis and Kate Chapman, it sets a long-term agenda for the sport to become a showcase for environmental responsibility and positive impact. It aims to reduce the impact of ATP’s operations and build on sustainability initiatives at the Nitto ATP Finals.
The strategy positions environmental sustainability as a key pillar of ATP Serves, an umbrella of new purpose-led initiatives, alongside mental health and organisational culture. Sustainability strategy rollout has cut across various initiatives to date, including agenda setting, staff travel and offices, ATP season-ending events and development of player and tournament toolkits. ATP has also established a new strategic partnership with Gold Standard, an award-winning certification standard for climate change mitigation projects based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Massimo Calvelli, ATP CEO said: “As a Tour we exist to inspire the world on the tennis court and serve beyond it. We are committed to delivering positive impact on the global stage and have been moved by the growing concern around the wellbeing of our planet. We know we cannot be distanced from helping to find solutions. This is why we are proud to roll out our new sustainability strategy and to become part of UNSCA, setting a clear agenda and ambitious goals for our sport for the coming years. This will be a long-term journey and, with everyone pulling together, we hope to make a positive impact and inspire our community.”
Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, Sector Engagement Lead at UN Climate Change added: “We welcome the ATP into the UN Climate Change Sports for Climate Action and commend them for signing up to such ambitious climate action targets. We are also delighted to see how they are using their reach and influence to support and engage others on wider social and environmental issues.”
Dominic Thiem, ATP No. 14 said: “I’m proud to see the ATP step up and make a long-term commitment to protecting our planet. This is something very close my heart. Climate change impacts everyone and as players we already feel its effects in the places we play. I encourage everyone in tennis to get involved in whatever way they can. Together we can make an incredible impact.”
For a full overview of the ATP Serves Sustainability strategy, click here.
