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Members of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) have voted to make committing to a Race To Zero initiative by the end of 2024 a mandatory requirement of association membership. In a process that was open to all members, 88% of those who voted were in favour of the proposals, which had been recommended by the EOG board and executive team. There was a very high level of engagement in the Race To Zero debate, which demonstrated how seriously members take the topic.

The Race to Zero (RTZ) is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) global programme to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors, for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. It mobilises a coalition of initiatives, and all partners must meet robust science-aligned criteria in delivering credible measures that work towards genuine net zero emissions.

For 20 years, the European Outdoor Group has been the voice of the European outdoor sector, which has often led the business community in matters relating to responsible business. The EOG has addressed some of the big challenges directly through a series of collaborative initiatives, such as the Single Use Plastics Project and Carbon Reduction Project, and in supporting the foundation of organisations such as the European Outdoor Conservation Association and The Microfibre Consortium. Allmembers have also signed the Sustainability Charter, which outlines the EOG’s understanding of what good corporate citizenship and responsibility entails.

At the EOG’s summer meeting in June, outline proposals were presented that would make signing up to a Race To Zero initiative by the end of 2024 a requirement of membership. Following the meeting, a comprehensive schedule of presentations and discussion sessions was rolled out, providing key information and allowing members to raise concerns and ask questions. This was followed by a final presentation during an Extraordinary General Assembly of the EOG ahead of ISPO.

The EOG Race To Zero voting took place online over a period of over three weeks, allowing plenty of time for members to consider their position and express their views. Voting was only open to all members of the association (not associated members). Of 106 eligible members, 82 cast a vote, with 72 in favour of the proposal, 10 against, leaving 24 who either abstained or did not vote.

Matt Gowar, EOG president, comments:

“I am delighted that we have achieved a decisive and positive result in the Race To Zero vote, and thank our members for such a high level of engagement in the process, which included some really in depth and well considered discussions. While the reality is that many of the measures that are part of Race To Zero initiatives are inevitable anyway, our industry is sending a clear signal that it is fully committed to serious, sustained and accelerating action to reduce emissions. I am certain that EOG members will continue to tackle this existential challenge with great energy, and in doing so will encourage and enable our colleagues in the outdoor industry, and other sectors, to follow our lead. It simply has to happen.”

Arne Strate, EOG general secretary, adds:

“It is important to understand that signing up to a Race To Zero initiative is not something that should scare businesses. Many EOG members are already heading along that pathway and our team will help guide everyone in the right direction, providing assistance to those among our membership who need it to meet the new requirement by the end of 2024. Achieving net zero is a necessary outcome for all of business and Race To Zero is an articulation of that, and its urgency. This strong support from our membership gives our team a mandate to escalate our work in this area, increasing its scale and reach for the good of all organisations operating in the outdoor sector.”

Find more details of the EOG vote on Race To Zero at https://www.europeanoutdoorgroup.com/knowledgehub/eog-race-to-zero