Hockey turf for the planet
IOC Climate Action Award nomination underscores hockey’s innovation in sustainability.
The fast-paced sport of field hockey has long been synonymous with agility and precision. But now, it’s also becoming a beacon of sustainability, thanks to significant innovations driven by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and forward-thinking athletes. After the astounding success of the hockey tournament at the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games, these efforts are gaining international recognition, with FIH named as a finalist in the prestigious IOC Climate Action Awards.
This recognition not only highlights the great strides made in making the sport eco-friendlier, but also signals a step change in how hockey—and sports in general—are approaching environmental stewardship.
Recognizing and rewarding innovation
The IOC Climate Action Awards were established to celebrate and encourage innovative projects from National Olympic Committees (NOCs), International Federations (IFs), and athletes aiming to reduce the environmental impact of sports. The inclusion of both the FIH and player Oliver Scholfield (CAN) as finalists this year speaks volumes about the sport’s drive to increase sustainability.
In the IF category, FIH’s nomination underscores the importance of its hockey turf innovation partnership with Polytan and AstroTurf to pioneer water-saving and carbon reduction developments.
“FIH’s nomination underscores the importance of its hockey turf innovation partnership with Polytan and AstroTurf to pioneer water-saving and carbon reduction developments.”
Collaboration reduces water consumption across the sport
Since the London 2012 Olympic Games, the FIH has worked closely with representatives from Polytan in Europe and Asia Pacific, and AstroTurf in the USA. Together, this group has pioneered new Poligras hockey turf technologies that dramatically slash water usage.
This high-scoring partnership has already achieved a 40% reduction in water use from London 2012 to Rio 2016, and through to Tokyo 2020, with an even more ambitious target set for Paris 2024.
The innovations in ‘dry turf’ have been ground-breaking and will reduce or even replace the need for hockey turfs that require irrigation systems.
Environmental protection at the heart of FIH sustainability goals
FIH President Tayyab Ikram has emphasized the importance of FIH’s commitment to sustainability and reducing water consumption, particularly as global water resources become increasingly scarce. “Environmental protection is a key part of our sustainability strategy,” Ikram notes, reinforcing his federation’s dedication to this initiative through technological advances.
The world’s first carbon-zero hockey turf
The hockey turf for the Paris 2024 was ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’, which is available from Polytan and AstroTurf. This is the world’s only carbon-zero hockey turf and includes water-reduction technology.
What sets ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ apart is its design and technology, which not only reduces the need for water but also incorporates sustainable materials that minimize carbon emissions. Made from 80% sugarcane and produced using green energy, it saves 73 tonnes of CO₂ compared to conventional turfs. Certified as climate-neutral by GUTcert, it features innovative Turf Glide technology, which reduces friction and allows for top-tier performance in both wet and dry conditions.
The Poligras Paris turf was used without irrigation at the 2024 FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman— milestone in hockey’s move to dry turf. The short format dazzled both players and fans, and featured lightning-fast and thrilling play.
“Innovations targeted by the FIH, are setting a new standard for how sport can address environmental challenges. For hockey club directors, this represents an opportunity to not just be part of a growing movement, but to lead it.”
A chance for forward-thinking clubs to grow the sport sustainably
As field hockey continues to evolve, the sport’s increasing focus on sustainability is likely to have far-reaching effects. The innovations targeted by the FIH, are setting a new standard for how sport can address environmental challenges. For hockey club directors, this represents an opportunity to not just be part of a growing movement, but to lead it.
By adopting sustainable turf technology such as Poligras Paris GT zero, clubs can reduce their environmental impact while ensuring the highest level of play and securing the future of the sport.
Sustainability is no longer on the sidelines
The winners of the IOC Climate Action Awards will be announced during UN Climate Week, from September 22 to 29, 2024, and the message is clear: sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” for the sports community—it’s a necessity. The work done by FIH and Sport Group shows how sports can contribute to a more sustainable future, beyond the field of play.
More on the FIH’s IOC Climate Action Awards nomination.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games hockey competition was played on Poligras Paris GT zero.