At SustainPro Solutions, we are proud to partner with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) in delivering measurable sustainability outcomes for major sporting events. The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi 2025 marked a significant milestone demonstrating that world mclass sport and environmental responsibility can advance together.
This inaugural pilot event set a new operational benchmark for sustainable sporting events in the UAE, embedding sustainability across planning, delivery, and post event reporting.
Event Overview: FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi 2025
- Event dates: 25 to 26 October 2025
- Location: Abu Dhabi city centre
- Teams: 14 international teams
- Attendance: 2,000 to 3,000 spectators per day
With the global sports industry responsible for up to 350 million tCO₂e annually, ADSC and SustainPro focused on reducing environmental impact while maintaining performance excellence.
Sustainability Highlights
- 9.92 tCO₂e total measured emissions
- 100% of measured emissions offset using Gold Standard carbon credits
- 65% landfill diversion rate
- ~600 kg of waste recycled
- 1,609 litres of water dispensed via Live Impact Water Station
- 3,218 single use plastic bottles avoided
- 3 electric vehicles piloted
- 2 solar powered lighting units trialed
- 120 families engaged through sustainability education
Promoting the Circular Economy
Effective waste management was a core focus of the event. Eight dedicated waste stations enabled source separation of recyclables, textiles, and landfill waste.
- 905.8 kg total waste collected
- 598.8 kg recycled
- 65% recycling rate
Recovered materials included plastics, textiles, cardboard, aluminium, and general recyclables. All suppliers reclaimed temporary materials, ensuring 100% of wood and event infrastructure was reused or repurposed reinforcing circular economy principles aligned with the UAE Circular Economy Policy.
Beyond Operational Waste: Sustainable Design
Sustainability extended beyond day to day operations into event design.
The FIBA 3×3 trophy was crafted from recycled materials, using reclaimed metals and plastics sourced from event infrastructure. The trophy symbolised both athletic achievement and environmental responsibility.
Zero Waste Water Strategy
Live Impact Water Station replaced single use bottled water for athletes, staff, and spectators.
- 1,609 litres of water dispensed
- Equivalent to 3,218 bottles avoided
- 26 to 38 kg of plastic waste prevented
- Up to 386 kg CO₂e emissions avoided
This initiative reduced plastic waste at source while supporting the UAE’s national policy to phase out single use plastics.
Piloting Renewable Energy
Diesel generators remain a major source of emissions for temporary events. To reduce reliance on diesel, SustainPro piloted solar powered lighting systems alongside traditional power sources.
- 3,660 litres of diesel used (baseline for future reduction)
- Solar lighting powered signage and operational zones
- Reduced noise, cabling, and local air pollution
This pilot established a foundation for expanded renewable energy integration at future events.
Tackling Transport Emissions
Transport accounts for approximately 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
For FIBA 3×3 Abu Dhabi:
- 3 electric vehicles replaced conventional vehicles for staff and VIP transport
- Vehicles operated reliably throughout the event
- Sustainability messaging was reinforced through visible EV branding
Future events will explore public transport incentives and expanded electric mobility options.
Emissions Footprint & Carbon Neutrality
SustainPro calculated the event’s emissions using the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, supported by primary site data and supplier records.
- 9.92 tCO₂e total emissions measured
- 10 tCO₂e retired via Gold Standard certified offsets
- Emissions included Scope 1, Scope 2, and selected Scope 3 (waste)
This ensured the event achieved verified carbon neutrality while maintaining transparency and auditability.
Educating the Next Generation
A dedicated Kids Sustainability Activation Zone engaged families through creative reuse workshops, including:
- Recycled trophies
- Bottle cap medals
- Bottle planters
More than 120 families participated, fostering creativity and awareness around waste reduction and responsible consumption.
Our Ambitions
This pilot proved that sustainable sporting events are achievable, scalable, and cost effective.
Building on this success, SustainPro Solutions and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council aim to:
- Expand solar powered and battery based energy systems
- Introduce organic waste and composting solutions
- Increase electric vehicle adoption across event logistics
- Strengthen sustainability communication and reporting
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Sport
The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi 2025 reflects ADSC’s leadership and commitment to innovation, accountability, and global excellence.
At SustainPro Solutions, we remain committed to transforming sustainability ambition into measurable action ensuring every event becomes an opportunity to lead, inspire, and create lasting impact.
Taking place on October 25 to 26 at the south entrance of Marina Mall, a range of sustainability plans and activations will help achieve the aim of delivering a carbon neutral event. These will include visible eco practices that encourage the engagement and contribution of players, fans, and stakeholders alike.
Driving Carbon Neutrality and Green Innovation
The focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability at FIBA 3×3 WT Abu Dhabi 2025 will come in the wake of FIBA’s recent announcement that it has once again maintained its ISO 20121 certification reinforcing its commitment to hosting sustainable 3×3 basketball events.
The ambition to be carbon neutral will be driven through the valued support and expertise of SustainPro Solutions, serving as the Official Sustainability Partner of FIBA 3×3 WT Abu Dhabi 2025.
Collaborating closely with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to achieve sustainability goals aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 roadmap, SustainPro Solutions will play a key role in helping to establish FIBA 3×3 Competitions and Events as a model for sustainable sports events across the region.
A sustainability first design approach will be applied throughout the venue and surrounding infrastructure, using entirely sustainable materials while preserving a distinctive UAE identity. Solar installations will power the on site Sustainability Display Zone, showcasing clean energy in action, while a family focused eco workshop area will invite children to create bottle cap medals, recycled trophies, and bottle planters from up cycled materials.
In addition, a solar powered “Live Impact Water Station” will provide biodegradable paper cups to encourage a refill culture and eliminate single use plastics. Strategically placed recycling stations will track waste collection through verified reporting, while electric vehicles will transport staff and delegates to promote clean mobility.
Impact Hero Joins the Mission
In a new initiative for 2025, FIBA 3×3 will partner with Impact Hero, a Berlin based global impact tech company dedicated to creating measurable positive environmental and social outcomes. Through this collaboration, the FIBA 3×3 WT Abu Dhabi 2025 will introduce an interactive tree planting activation designed to engage fans directly in sustainability efforts.
Visitors at Marina Mall will be invited to “Plant a Tree & Help Save the Planet” by scanning a dedicated QR code at the FIBA 3×3 Sustainability Zone backdrop. Each fan will receive a personalized digital certificate confirming the planting of a tree via the FIBA TREE code on Impact Hero’s platform. A live impact counter will display real time updates of trees planted, symbolizing collective climate action.
This initiative will enhance fan participation and extend FIBA 3×3’s environmental legacy beyond the court, supporting reforestation and sustainable livelihoods in the Global South through Impact Hero’s certified projects.
Measuring and Expanding the Legacy
Following the event, SustainPro Solutions will deliver a comprehensive Sustainability Report to FIBA 3×3 and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The report will present verified outcomes, carbon offset data, and strategic recommendations to further enhance sustainability frameworks across future FIBA 3×3 events.
About FIBA 3×3
Exciting, urban and innovative, 3×3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half court.
It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national team competitions. 3×3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.