Sporting major events come and go; they pop up in one place, disappear and then return somewhere completely different, usually four years later. So how does this distinctly unsustainable operation have a lasting legacy? How do we make sure “learnings are not lost”. We visit the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to speak to their sustainability team; Jess Fidler and Jo Leigh.  They really want their lessons, positive and negative, to be passed on to future events in a caring, sharing way.  Consultant Amanda Curtis joins the pod to continue the theme of passing on learnings; she worked for London 2012 but also has perspective from other sectors after a career in retail.  And some strong thoughts from Amanda and Melissa on the danger of offsetting.  Plus Jonathan ranting about a car park.  All the good stuff.

Time Codes:

01:30  We set out the "learnings not lost" concept when it comes to major events.

02:40 . Jonathan's on, what he calls "a grassy knoll".  Whatever that is.  More relevantly, he's in Birmingham at the Commonwealth Games.

03:40 . Hello to Jessica Fidler and Jo Leigh, from the Birmingham 2022 sustainability team.  Jess sets out the ambitions.

04:30 . Jo outlines some of the specific missions to deliver on the sustainability pledges.

06:40 . Spectator transport accounts for a huge proportion of the Games' carbon footprint.  It's the 'big stuff which makes the major impact', observes Jonathan.

07:50 . So the post-event analysis is important: "We need to be transparent with our learnings" says Jess. They want to share and reach out, 'to make sure the learnings don't get lost' adds Jo.

09:30 .  A free-to-access carbon-literacy resource will be available through the Birmingham 2022 website, to help different sectors understand the carbon legacy and get an official certification.  

11:15 . Athlete engagement has involved work with Athletes of the World.  Melissa tells us more... it's about making them feel confident about speaking credibly on these issues.

15:15 . Melissa's analysis on the percentage of carbon emissions created by spectator transport.

16:15 . Jonathan rants about the NEC car parks, not for the first time.  Can we take some bigger decisions in the future?

17:45 . Welcome to Amanda Curtis:  sustainability manager at London 2012 and sustainability consultant for many governing bodies.

19:15 . She talks about sustainability being embedded in the major event bid process.

22:10 . Amanda shares some of her experiences of lesson-sharing in retail; sport has a long way to go..

25:00 . Melissa wants to emphasise how offsetting is not a solution. Amanda agrees; it's about reduction not offsetting.

28:20 . Amanda says  'it's about being bold, about taking risks'.  The big changes will make a difference.

30:15 . The thorny issue of high-polluting sponsors.  Melissa gets straight to the point...

33:00 . Thanks to Amanda Curtis.  Melissa reflects on the 'outside perspective'...

35:20 .  Back to Birmingham and more from Jo Leigh, former GB International Hockey player.  What's her view on the future of major events?

36:50 . Jo wants a climate-centric games in the future; Jonathan goes on about the car park again.  Thankfully Jo agrees.

39:15 .  A final thought as Jo considers her athlete friends.  Are more willing to engage in the conversation now, compared with Rio 2016?

41:00 . A big few years ahead for Australia in terms of major events!  

A NinetyFour19 production.