#CombinedForChange: Schonach is awarded as the season’s most impactful project
May 14, 2025·Nordic Combined
Throughout the 2024/25 season, the organizers of the eight Viessmann FIS Nordic Combined World Cup stages engaged in the #CombinedForChange Sustainability Tour, an inspiring initiative where each Local Organizing Committee (LOC) implemented and showcased a sustainability project aiming to drive environmental or social progress within the winter sports community. Presented for the first time by Viessmann Climate Solutions, the FIS Combined for Change Award recognized the most effective initiative for sustainable winter sports during the 2024/2025 Nordic Combined World Cups.
In the last season of the Nordic Combined World Cup, each participating event tackled key themes such as energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, waste reduction, and community engagement. These initiatives reflect a collective commitment to a more sustainable future for Nordic Combined events. At the end of the season, they were evaluated through a voting process involving FIS and Viessmann representatives, LOCs, athletes and fans.
Standing out among strong competition, the organizers of the Schonach World Cup, Germany were recognized as the winners of the first FIS Combined for Change Award presented by Viessmann Climate Solutions. Their project united two major initiatives: the introduction of an energy-efficient and shared heated ski waxing tent and the integration of free public transport into event ticketing.
In the past, it was common that each team had their own individual wax cabin — each requiring separate heating and energy. The Schonach team reacted in a sustainable, hands-on manner by setting up one energy-efficient waxing tent for all operating teams. This innovative approach saved an estimated 25 tons of CO₂ emissions compared to past events with individual tents. Additionally, spectators could travel to the venue via regional trains and buses at no cost, thanks to a new partnership with public transport providers. This significantly reduced private car traffic and increased accessibility, for example for people with disabilities.
To honor this success, the winning LOC Schonach will receive a EUR 10,000 voucher for an innovative climate and energy solution from Viessmann Climate Solutions. This will allow them to expand their commitment and further reduce the environmental impact.
The other two finalists also showcased impressive projects:
Ruka, Finland, developed an advanced snow farming system, preserving natural snow from winter to winter. This technology, combined with automated and energy-efficient snow production, led to a 90% reduction in the energy used for snowmaking, compared to 2016.
Otepää, Estonia, introduced the “Green Ambassadors Program”, training volunteers to educate the approximately 12,000 attendees on waste sorting and sustainability practices, significantly boosting recycling rates even as spectator numbers doubled compared to the previous year.
The FIS Combined for Change Sustainability Tour demonstrated how local action can scale into collective impact. Overall, across the eight events:
Over 190,000 spectators participated, according to available data.
More than 10,000 schoolchildren were engaged through initiatives like free-ticket programs (as in Lahti), building a new generation of winter sports fans.
Substantial operational improvements were made, including switching to renewable electricity (Oslo), piloting zero-waste initiatives (Ramsau), and developing sustainable catering programs with local food sourcing (Seefeld).
One of the most powerful lessons from this season was the importance of sustainable mobility. Schonach’s integration of free transit and Oslo’s achievement of 98% public transport use among spectators show that facilitating access through greener transport options can dramatically reduce events’ total greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond technical solutions, the Tour emphasized the value of peer-to-peer collaboration: The LOCs will begin working with each other by sharing their ideas, successes, and challenges. This spirit of collaboration will be seen as a fundamental element for the future of sustainability in Nordic Combined events. Organizers are encouraged to learn from each other, replicate successful actions and adapt them locally, ensuring that every season builds upon the last.
“There is something extremely powerful in experiencing firsthand how events can reduce their environmental impact while strengthening local communities," said FIS Sustainability Director Susanna Sieff.
More information about #CombinedForChange and the sustainable projects of all LOCs of the past season can be found here: https://www.fis-ski.com/nordic-combined/combined-for-change-sustainability-tour
About Viessmann Climate Solutions
Founded in 1917 as a heating technology manufacturer, today Viessmann Climate Solutions is a leading global provider of sustainable climate (heating, cooling, water and air quality) and renewable energy solutions. The Integrated Viessmann Climate Solutions portfolio seamlessly connects products and systems via digital platforms and services, creating an individualized feel-good climate for users. Viessmann Climate Solutions is part of Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is committed to solutions that matter for people and our planet for generations to come. For more information, visit https://www.viessmann-climatesolutions.com/en.html.
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