CO₂ reduction and climate targets are key issues at a political and social level today. However, when this discussion was still in its infancy, we were already working intensively on sustainable strategies and data-based approaches to reducing emissions.
This made the collaboration with the UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) - the global umbrella organization for mountaineering and alpinism - all the more important for us. After all, when an international non-profit association begins to systematically address CO₂ savings, this sends a signal far beyond its own organization.
The challenge
The UIAA unites member organizations from all over the world and coordinates numerous activities - from international events to safety standards and environmental initiatives. This results in specific challenges:
- High international mobility and associated CO₂ emissions
- Decentralized organizational structure in a global environment
- Lack of transparency regarding emission sources and potential savings
- Limited resources for strategic transformation projects
- Need to integrate sustainability into existing structures
The aim was to create a sustainable basis for systematically anchoring CO₂ reduction in the organization in the long term.
The solution approach
We supported the UIAA in developing a holistic concept for CO₂ reduction - with a focus on strategy, structure and feasibility:
Strategic classification Definition of a clear target image for sustainable action in the international association context.
Analysis of emission sources Identification of relevant drivers, particularly in the area of mobility and international cooperation.
Conception of a structured CO₂ management approach Development of a framework that creates transparency and enables well-founded decisions.
Digital support Design of a solution for recording, evaluating and managing CO₂-relevant activities.
The focus was always on developing a solution that meets the special requirements of a globally networked non-profit organization.
The added value for the UIAA
Creating transparency For the first time, a structured basis for assessing CO₂ emissions has been created.
Strategic ability to act Sustainability was anchored in the organization as a controllable element.
Raising awareness The topic of climate protection was made visible and tangible throughout the organization.
Basis for future measures The concept developed makes it possible to systematically derive and implement specific initiatives.
Award and recognition
The innovative approach and transferability to other organizations also received external recognition: The concept was nominated for the prestigious "Best of IT Award" by CIO Magazine.
Conclusion
This success story shows that sustainable transformation is not limited to industrial companies. Even in the non-profit sector, strategic clarity, suitable architectures and digital support can make a decisive contribution to effectively pursuing climate goals.
The collaboration with the UIAA has impressively demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when visionary organizations act early.