In our continued effort to reduce the environmental impact of the Canada Games, we are excited to announce our partnership with Racing to Zero (RTZ), an Olympian-led organization specializing in carbon footprint assessments. Together, we will analyze the Canada Games Council’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the 2023-24 fiscal year and find areas for reduction.

Champions of eco-friendly practices, RTZ is a sport and sustainability consultancy founded on the idea that the sports industry needs to do its part in combating the climate crisis. RTZ focuses on inspiring sustainability and supporting sport organizations of all sizes to understand their impact on the environment.

RTZ founder Oluseyi Smith is a 2x Olympian (Track, 2012 and Bobsleigh, 2018) and holds a BEng in Electrical Engineering and an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems Technology. As an athlete, Smith experienced first-hand the environmental impacts of sporting competitions, and witnessed the lack of action taken to make improvements. Thanks to support from the IOC and COC, he founded RTZ in 2022 as an attempt to mobilize the sporting community, at all levels, in order to understand the environmental impacts of sport and take practical actions to reduce them.

Oliver Scholfield is RTZ’s project manager as well as an Olympian (Field Hockey, 2020), and holds a BSc in Natural Resource Conservation and a Masters in Business Management. Fellow Olympians Donna Vakalis (Modern Pentathlon, 2012 and 2016), Erin Latimer (Para Alpine Skiing, 2014 and 2018), and Martha McCabe (Swimming, 2012 and 2016), who swam at the 2005 Canada Games, are also associated with RTZ.

The primary objective of the collaboration between RTZ and the CGC is to empower the Canada Games Council with data-driven insights into our carbon footprint. The detailed carbon inventory report will serve as a valuable resource, allowing us to identify key areas for GHG emission reduction opportunities within our operations. The strategic approach aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability and reflects our broader dedication to positive social, economic and environmental impacts.

We are eager to share the process and findings with the Canadian sport community. By showcasing this project, we aim to inspire and educate others on the importance of environmental responsibility in the sporting industry. We invite any questions or comments from individuals or organizations who are hoping to learn more about this process or looking to explore similar sustainability efforts.

Gillian Orris
Sr. Advisor, Sustainability and Impact
Canada Games Council
cgc@canadagames.ca

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