Managing the environmental sustainability performance of mega-sport events: a blockchain-based smart control system

Purpose We highlight the role of digital technologies in managing and controlling the environmental sustainability of mega-sport events and propose an environmental management control and audit system (EMCAS) that can fight greenwashing while motivating sports organizers to improve environmental performance. A number of applications for improving mega-sport environmental sustainability performance are proposed. Design/methodology/approach We present an architecture for an EMCAS that can fight greenwashing while motivating sports organizers to improve environmental performance. We present multiple scenarios to demonstrate how EMCAS can support environmental sustainability. Findings The use of blockchain, IoT and AI provides unprecedented opportunities to help sports organizations combine sustainability principles and orchestrate strategies for fostering sustainable mega-sport events that regulate pollution-intensive practices and promote environmentally sustainable practices through the efficient use of resources, reduction in carbon emission and waste production. Originality/value In this research, we explore various applications that collect and analyze environmental data to support real-time decision-making to improve sustainability performance. The applications focus on the conservation of energy resources, waste reduction, recycling of material and reduction of gas emissions. The proposed system will change the operational functioning of mega-sport events to improve their impact on the environment.