FIS Launches Sustainable Procurement Guide for Snow Sports Events

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) believes sustainability should shape every stage of event delivery. For this reason, FIS has developed the Sustainable Procurement Guide for Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) and National Ski Associations (NSAs). The guide empowers event organizers to make smarter purchasing decisions, helping reduce environmental impact and promote positive social outcomes across snow sports events. 

The majority of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from large outdoor events do not come from what happens at the event itself; they come from the broader supply chain, which is influenced by the products and services organizers choose to purchase. Beyond emissions, temporary infrastructure such as tents, fencing, seating, and equipment can generate waste and environmental harm when sourced without care.

Procurement decisions also affect people. For example, choosing the wrong suppliers may unintentionally support unfair labor practices.

Yet, the same decisions that may create these impacts can also help solve them. Through careful, responsible purchasing choices, organizers can reduce environmental harm, protect people, and still meet high standards for event safety and performance. This is sustainable procurement, which means choosing suppliers and products based on environmental, social, and ethical impacts - not just price and quality.

The Sustainable Procurement Guide by FIS provides practical steps to help put the principles of sustainable procurement into practice. Users of this guide will learn how to:

• Recognize key sustainability issues when making procurement decisions.

• Identify the relevant people and groups involved in the procurement process.

• Use a Sustainable Sourcing Code and contract templates.

• Evaluate and select suppliers responsibly.

• Apply sustainable purchasing standards across different types of goods and services.

• Use trusted standards, labels, and certifications to support decision-making.

This guide places environmental and social responsibility at the center of every procurement decision, guiding sourcing and supplier choices based on the following core values:

• Climate change mitigation

• Biodiversity protection

• Pollution reduction at every stage

• Respect for people, human rights, and labor practices

• Meaningful support for local economies

Lead with action. Download the full FIS Sustainable Procurement Guide for Snow Sports Events to deliver smarter, more sustainable procurement operations.