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Milano Cortina 2026: Sustainable Development as a Management Decision, Not a Declaration

ISG 19 February 2026
Milano Cortina 2026

The Olympic Winter Games 2026 demonstrate that environmental responsibility in sport does not have to be a communication add-on. It can be embedded in the organisational structure of an event — from infrastructure design and logistics to the operational model during the Games.

In the context of climate change and the rising costs of delivering mega-sport events, the model adopted by the organisers in Italy offers an important reference point for Europe as a whole.

Designing Around What Already Exists

One of the strongest elements of the Milano Cortina 2026 model is the maximum use of existing infrastructure. Around 85% of competition venues are already operational or temporary. Eleven out of thirteen venues have previously hosted international winter sport events.

This approach significantly reduces investment costs, environmental pressure, and the risk of creating inefficiently used infrastructure after the event.

For us, this is a strong example of risk management at the design stage. Infrastructure decisions become a key instrument of sustainable development policy.

Clean Energy and Low-Carbon Mobility

Delivering the Games through a regional model requires complex logistics. The response has been a systemic approach to mobility and energy:

  • nearly all venues are powered by certified renewable electricity,
  • temporary generators have been limited to a minimum, with most operating on HVO biofuel,
  • the official fleet has been reduced by around 20% compared to Torino 2006,
  • priority has been given to public transport, including trains and shuttle buses between clusters.

These are not isolated initiatives, but part of a coherent carbon footprint reduction strategy during the event.

Responsible Snowmaking in a Changing Climate

Winter Games in Europe cannot ignore the climate context. At Milano Cortina 2026, snow production is kept to the minimum required to ensure safe competition. GPS systems and snow-depth monitoring tools are used to optimise production, renewable energy powers snowmaking systems, and no chemical additives are applied (only food-grade dyes for course marking).

This is an example of technological adaptation to climate realities — without overproduction and without excessive resource use.

Circular Economy and Social Responsibility

Circular solutions are also embedded in the delivery model:

  • recovery and redistribution of food from venues,
  • reuse of around 24,000 items from Paris 2024,
  • reduced demand for new materials.

At the same time, the Games are accelerating upgrades to energy, digital, and medical infrastructure in host regions, strengthening their long-term resilience.

A Lesson for Good Sport Governance

From a good governance perspective, one principle stands out: sustainable development does not begin with a press release. It begins with a decision-making model.

Milano Cortina 2026 shows that:

  • infrastructure decisions can reduce both financial and environmental risk,
  • mobility and energy require systemic planning,
  • adaptive technologies are essential in the context of climate change,
  • circular economy principles can become the standard rather than an add-on.

For Poland and Europe, the message is clear: the professionalisation of sport requires the integration of environmental objectives into governance processes at national, regional, and local levels.

Mega-sport events should strengthen regional resilience — not weaken it.

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