Aquatics GB published its first ever sustainability in April 2024. We sat down with Josh Rudd for a deep dive into its origins, development and implementation.
“In today’s world, the call for environmental responsibility echoes louder than ever before. It is no longer sufficient for organisations to focus solely on economic gains; we must also prioritise the protection and preservation of our planet for current and future generations. Aquatics GB recognises the critical role we play in this global challenge.”
These are the words of Drew Barrand, CEO of Aquatics GB, on the launch of their inaugural sustainability strategy last month.
Sustainability strategies are not a new phenomenon in sport, but they are growing in number, scope and sophistication – in line with the urgency dictated by the impacts and threat of climate change.
Josh Rudd joined Aquatics GB, then British Swimming, in January 2023 with a mandate to expand the governing body’s sustainability work.
“We knew we wouldn’t be the first,” he said, “so we were conscious not to rush our analysis and approach the issues carefully – taking enough time to make sure our approach was right for the organisation and as comprehensive as possible”
While Aquatics GB is responsible for elite swimming, the input of the entire swimming community was essential in building support and shaping the strategy’s focus.
“Our organisation has a clear responsibility for world class swimming, but we understand our role as an influential voice for swimming across the country. The fact that 93% of people surveyed felt it was important for Aquatics GB to take positive action on environmental sustainability strengthened our ability to improve our own operations, but also advocate for change on their behalf. The bottom-up approach has been instrumental in aligning our own analysis with the priorities of our whole community – putting important issues in the spotlight, even if we don’t have direct control over them”
Collaboration has also been a driving force, both inside and outside the organisation.
“Internally, the more we’ve been able to have conversations about sustainability, the more understanding and commitment we’ve been able to embed across the organisation. We’ve come to recognise that this isn’t just one person’s job, it’s a responsibility for every person in every department. The development of our strategy – alongside the rebrand, which helps us to shape a new vision for the future – has really accelerated our commitment to sustainability.
“But it’s also been vital for me to see and learn from what other BASIS members are doing. We may come from different sports and institutions, but so many of the themes that we all work on are the same, and it becomes a lot less scary when you understand that so many other sustainability practitioners are on the same journey. Being able to work alongside other BASIS members has been a constant source of support, and has helped to save time, effort and money.”
With the strategy launched, the focus has shifted firmly to implementation, and momentum is already building.
“We have medium and long-term targets, but we can’t get there without taking the first steps, and even in the first month we’re making progress in key areas such as kit and data. We were able to survey more than 8500 spectators at our Aquatics GB Swimming Championships about their modes of transport, which not only provides us with a baseline for fan travel, but the data to inform future decision-making.
“Strategy documents have a shelf-life: the task now is to make this a living, breathing action plan. This is not a performative exercise, it’s a meaningful commitment for now and the future, so we’re moving forward deliberately, step-by-step, where each action informs the next and builds momentum. Continually learning from others is an important part of that momentum, because seeing the standards that other BASIS members are setting gives me motivation and a target to aim for.”
Josh Rudd is Diversity, Inclusion and Social Responsibility Manager at Aquatics GB.
