Eco Criterium
Le Critérium de la Première Neige commits to an eco-responsible approach
The ecological issue is now central. Whatever the environment, whatever the field, has become a major concern. Questions about the preservation of our natural environment are all the more present in sporting events. Faced with a worsening situation, which is becoming more and more significant by the day, the players behind sporting events must no longer be content to simply observe, but rather to take action, by ensuring that concrete measures are put in place.
That’s why, today, the Val d’Isère Sports Club is taking up this cause for
to be able to make its event something that is part of a desire for improvement.
At a time when sporting events are the source of critical carbon footprints, the Critérium de la Première Neige needs to shake up its codes and its organization by adopting a new dynamic more conducive to its long-term survival.
The goal? To be committed to eco-design of the event by questioning every phase of the organization, with a view to minimizing the ecological impact and maximizing its social impact.
An eco-labelled event
Since the 2022 edition, the Critérium has been rewarded with the eco-manif label issued by the region, which concerns the eco-responsible commitments to which an organization can decide to commit. Here are a few examples that we have put into practice:
The Critérium de la Première Neige uses the respective charter for this label as a reference in its strategy, but also as a basis for considering the following actions:
- I optimize the use of signage as much as possible and use reusable and/or ecological
materials. - I provide participants and volunteers with an efficient dual-flow sorting system
- I make sure there’s no garbage left on the site after the event.
- As far as possible, I use washable (non-disposable) dishes and cups
for refreshments, meals and refreshment stands.
- I prefer local producers
- I print my documents on recycled or FSC/PEFC-certified paper.
- I print my documents using vegetable-based inks or with a
“imprim’vert” printer. - I mainly use dematerialized or
reusable communication media. - I involve sponsors and partners in my eco-responsible approach
The Critérium de la première Neige, an eco-responsible energy event
The Val d’Isère Sports Club and its energy partner will be setting up a unique installation for a major high-mountain event!
An eco-responsible energy system for the first time on an Alpine Skiing World Cup event. To replace conventional generators running on 100% fuel oil, we are introducing a generator running on 100% renewable fuel.
The use of this biofuel (Total HVO 100) enables us to reduce our CO2 emissions by at least 50% and combustion particles by 30% compared with the use of a “conventional” generator.
With the actions we’ve put in place, our event has achieved a score of 67% and the Silver label. Our ambition is to achieve a GOLD certification score of 75% by 2025 and 85% by 2027.
A committed event in the image of its resort
The Club des Sports de Val d’Isère is also part of the “Flocon Vert” (Green Snowflake) initiative for which the Val d’Isère resort is working. A label-certifying approach that engages all players in a given region in the transition to sustainable tourism development in the mountains. The submission of a report by the Club des Sports was made with the aim of participating in the resort’s desire to change, by positioning itself as an actor rather than a spectator of these changes. This completes our drive for improvement.
For further information: please write to us at eco-responsable@valsport.org
Our philosophy
Improving our standards
and constantly striving for improvement by offering an event with international appeal and conveying motion, which, thanks to the efforts of each and every one of our employees, will become a source of inspiration for future generations”.
Our ambition
Beyond a desire for improvement. the Critérium de la Première Neige aims to be one of the organizations that brings people together and drives change. All of this will be achieved through a collective action that will involve all the players in
the event, i.e. volunteers, riders and spectators.
Our values
This project to overhaul the event at environmental level goes hand in hand with strong values that we wish to convey. respect, authenticity and sharing!
