On June 24, 2025, the final conference of the popular sports, environment and sustainability (Buna) took place in Berlin. Over 90 participants from sports, science, politics, civil society and administration came together to learn about the research results and recommendations for action from the project. And the Bavarian Badminton Association was also represented with its sustainability group, Green Feder, and the 1st BC GW Obernzell …
Kick -off for sustainability in mass sport
The conference was opened by Carsten Träger, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Security and Member of the Bundestag. Carsten Träger underlined the social importance of sport and his role as a mediator. He made it clear that sustainability in sports is not only possible, but necessary – and that political support and an adapted funding practice have to actively accompany this path.
Movement needs attitude & quo vadis mass sports?
Further impulses came from organized sports and science. Michaela Röhrbein, director of the DOSB, emphasized the role of sports clubs as social anchor points, especially in times of social upheavals. Sustainability is not an additional task, but a strategic necessity.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach from the University of Bayreuth spoke about the double role of sport: as the cause and affected person of environmental pollution – and at the same time as a potential solution player. She designed a vision of the sport of the future: climate -neutral, inclusive, strong and health -promoting.
The buna research work
The results of the research work were presented by the project employees Alice Berger and Yannic Burstert. The aim of the Buna project was to capture the status quo of sustainability in popular sports, make good examples visible and to develop concrete recommendations for action.
The analysis shows that sustainability is often only implemented selectively, economic considerations are often in the foreground. A holistic sustainability management is crucial to overcome old thinking patterns and hierarchies. At the same time, there are major challenges in the areas of financing, communication and volunteering. Clubs and associations want more orientation and targeted support.
Role models on the square
In the practice block, a sports club and a sports association, which also appear as good practical examples in the Buna action recommendations, presented themselves:
Safa Semsary The Polar Pinguin Berlin association reported on the implementation of sustainability in everyday club life – with a focus on fair equipment and work.
Lukas GunzelmannSports director of the Bavarian Badminton Association, presented in representation for the Green pen The sustainability activities of his regional association, which include a corresponding amendment to the statutes, the use of digital tools, resource -friendly tournament organization and the changeover to a double game day.
The topic of sustainability is a great chance of future for Gunzelmann and the green spring:
“We are convinced in the green spring that there is always a more attractive path. Sustainability is no longer a secondary topic- it belongs to the center of the club and association development. Let us recognize the topic as an opportunity together. The example of the introduction of digital game report sheets sums up: Not only that we save around 17,000 sheets per year, also voluntary resources in the form of working hours. In the office, which beforehand has been sent across the game reports across Bavaria, and working hours are saved in the game-leading positions.
Related reading
