The FIVB has taken an important step in its sustainability commitments with the release of its first-ever sustainability event reports for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025.
Covering the 2025 editions in Ljubljana (Slovenia), Łódź (Poland) and Ningbo (China), the reports represent a pilot phase, during which the FIVB has collected and analysed comprehensive environmental, social and governance data across multiple international volleyball events.
This milestone directly supports Point 9 of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 and follows the launch of the FIVB Sustainability Pledge, which reinforces the FIVB’s responsibility to use volleyball’s global reach to address the global climate emergency.
The development of these reports was made possible through the close collaboration and transparency of the Local Organising Committees (LOCs) in each host city. Together, the FIVB and LOCs built a robust sustainability baseline that provides a clearer understanding of the carbon footprint of VNL events, identifies the areas of greatest impact and establishes a basis for targeted improvements in the years ahead.
Carbon footprint of the VNL 2025 Men’s Finals, Ningbo, Beilun
With comparable data now available across three distinct locations, the FIVB can better prioritise resources, introduce consistent sustainability measures and further support LOCs in delivering sustainable events.
Across all three events, a variety of meaningful environmental practices were implemented. In Ningbo, organisers integrated new-energy vehicles into the official shuttle fleet, with 40% of vehicles powered by low-emission technologies. The LOC coordinated the installation of 104 charging stations across venues and hotels. In Ljubljana, more than half of the spectators travelled to the venue using sustainable transport methods such as walking, cycling, public transportation and carpooling.
Carbon footprint of local spectators at the VNL 2025 stop in Ljubljana
Meanwhile, Łódź prioritised recycling by repurposing tournament branding materials into reusable bags.
Host cities also delivered significant social impact. Łódź extended invitations to children from local orphanages, offering them the opportunity to experience world-class volleyball. Ningbo mobilised an impressive volunteer community, engaging 4,000 volunteers during event preparations and 230 during the tournament itself. In Ljubljana, bringing people together through local culture was a priority, including a live performance of the Slovenian national anthem by 60 volunteers during the competition.
The Volleyball Association of Slovenia, in partnership with NLB d.d., was recognised with the SPORTO Sustainability Award at the SPORTO Conference 2025, which celebrated the most innovative sports marketing and sponsorship projects.
Further, Ljubljana, in partnership with the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Economics, conducted an assessment of the event’s economic impact.
In Łódź, close cooperation with the city enabled organisers to showcase cultural and tourism offerings to event visitors. Ningbo further contributed to sustainable event delivery by sourcing more than half of event products from local suppliers, reducing transport emissions, shortening supply chains and reinvesting in the regional economy.
Reflecting on the event’s ambitions, Yao Bo, Head of the Ningbo LOC, stated:
“Our main goal was to ensure the event operates at a high standard while aligning with Beilun’s “port–industry–city–culture” development model, and to build a long-term mechanism of green event hosting, smart operations and people-centred services.”
Gregor Humerca, Secretary General of the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia, stated:
“We worked closely with the City of Ljubljana, our general sponsor NLB, and our partner agency Sport Media Focus to ensure a sustainable delivery of the VNL event. Through coordinated planning, use of the city’s green infrastructure, and expert measurement of our environmental impact, we strengthened our sustainability efforts and promoted responsible practices throughout the tournament.”
The FIVB will continue to expand sustainability reporting to more events, which will form an integral part of the pathway toward the FIVB’s comprehensive Sustainability Strategy, which will be launched in 2026 and will further solidify volleyball’s commitment to environmental responsibility, social inclusion and a meaningful long-term legacy.
