Longines EEF Series
LES Sustainability EvaluAtion
Striving for a Greener Future
The Longines EEF Series is committed to delivering international equestrian sport in a way that respects the environment, supports local communities, and helps safeguard the future of our sport.
Guided by the European Equestrian Federation’s sustainability vision, LES organisers are encouraged to apply the EEF Sustainability Strategy and Events Green Code of Conduct across all host venues.
Through collaboration with Organising Committees, the Series promotes responsible resource use, reduced environmental impact, and continuous improvement in the sustainability of equestrian events across Europe.
Overview 2025
Based on sustainability reports submitted by eight Longines EEF Series events (Lier, Peelbergen, Mannheim, Thessaloniki, Deauville, Bratislava, Budapest and Avenches).
Event Scale and Attendance
1.Participation
Across the 8 LES events, participation confirms a consistent medium-to-large operational scale, varying by event phase (RQ / SF / Final) and program integration.
• National Teams: 6–12 per event
• Athletes: approx. 100–320 per event
• Horses: approx. 190–480 per event
• Support personnel (grooms, trainers, staff): approx. 130–550 per event
2. Spectator Attendance
Total attendance across event days ranged from approximately 3,500 to 45,000 spectators, depending on format, location, and program integration.
• Highest attendance: Mannheim (~45,000), as a multi-discipline event (Jumping, Dressage and Para Dressage)
• Medium–high attendance: Deauville (~15,000), Avenches (~10,000)
• Typical LES events: Lier, Peelbergen, Thessaloniki, Budapest (~3,500–4,000)
3. Sponsorship and VIP Provisions
• All events provide designated areas for sponsor activations and hospitality. VIP seating capacity ranges from approx. 100 to 700 seats, depending on venue size and event profile.
• Sustainability-linked sponsorship is present at selected events but is not yet systematic across the Series.
Governance & Reporting
Key Practices Reported (2025)
• 8 / 8 events appointed a sustainability contact, typically integrated into an operational role.
• Governance maturity varies: sustainability actions are mainly operational rather than embedded in formal event strategies.
• Mannheim stands out as the most advanced example, supported by comprehensive governance systems and structured monitoring.
• Lier and Peelbergen show strong venue-based planning, with multiple policies and resource-management measures embedded into permanent infrastructure.
• Budapest contributes to the governance baseline through its ISO 45001-certified occupational health and safety management system.
LES governance in 2025 reflects a clear baseline: all events have a designated sustainability contact, several venues operate within structured policies and plans, and leading events demonstrate examples of advanced monitoring and reporting that can support future Series-wide improvement.
Energy & Fuel Consumption
Key Practices Reported (2025)
• Daylight-based scheduling: 8 / 8 events
• Local materials and products to reduce transport distances: 7 / 8 events
• LED lighting in operational areas: 6 / 8 events
• Eco-friendly internal transport (bikes, EVs, golf carts): 6 / 8 events
• Renewable energy technologies installed at the venue: 5 / 8 events
• Passive cooling solutions: 5 / 8 events
• Presence- or time-controlled lighting: 5 / 8 events
• Shuttle services to reduce private car use: 5 / 8 events
• Accommodation on-site or within walking distance: 4 / 8 events
• Electric or hybrid vehicles used for transport: 3 / 8 events
Energy and fuel measures are well established at a practical level across the Series, with permanent venues leading through renewable energy infrastructure and more structured monitoring systems. Mannheim, Peelbergen, Lier, and Bratislava demonstrate the most comprehensive combination of efficiency actions, low-emission mobility solutions, and monitoring.
Water Usage & Management
Key Practices Reported (2025)
• Controlled arena watering: 8 / 8 events
• Basic monitoring of water consumption (meters/invoices): 7 / 8 events
• Use of recycled or non-potable water for arena maintenance: 6 / 8 events
• Rainwater collection systems installed: 5 / 8 events
• Rainwater reused for arenas/green areas: 5 / 8 events
• Water recovery / reuse systems: 5 / 8 events
• Sanitation water-efficiency measures: 6 / 8 events
• Water-saving fixtures installed: 3 / 8 events
• Wastewater managed through controlled systems: 6 / 8 events
• Formal water reduction plan/policy: 3 / 8 events
Water management is a strong operational area across the Series, particularly in arena maintenance. Permanent venues lead through rainwater collection and reuse systems and structured monitoring. Lier, Peelbergen, Mannheim, and Bratislava represent the strongest examples of combined water efficiency, reuse practices, and infrastructure-based solutions.
Supply Chain Management
Key Practices Reported (2025)
• Local or regional suppliers used: 7 / 8 events
• Feed and bedding sourced locally/regionally: 6 / 8 events
• Certified or sustainably produced feed/bedding: 5 / 8 events
• Reusable/recyclable/compostable catering tableware: 6 / 8 events
• Vegetarian food options available: 8 / 8 events
• Organic/sustainably farmed food products included: 4 / 8 events
• Food waste reduction measures: 4 / 8 events
• Sustainable sourcing of plants/flowers: 6 / 8 events
• Reuse/composting/donation of plants/flowers after event: 5 / 8 events
• Eco-friendly cleaning products used: 5 / 8 events
• Paper reduction measures applied: 7 / 8 events
• Certified sustainable paper (FSC/PEFC) used: 4 / 8 events
Supply chain practices show strong engagement with local sourcing and practical waste prevention through reusable catering solutions and paper reduction. Lier, Mannheim, Peelbergen, and Bratislava demonstrate the strongest combined approach across procurement, catering practices, and end-of-life planning for materials.
Communication & Awareness
Key Practices Reported (2025)
• Internal sustainability communication (briefings/instructions): 6 / 8 events
• External communication on environmental actions: 5 / 8 events
• Digital tools used to reduce paper (email/apps/QR): 6 / 8 events
• Printing minimised (double-sided or limited printing): 7 / 8 events
• On-site sustainability signage: 4 / 8 events
• Partner/supplier communication on sustainability expectations: 4 / 8 events
• Structured awareness campaigns: 1 / 8 events
• Written sustainability procedures or staff training: 2 / 8 events
Communication efforts in 2025 focused mainly on internal awareness and operational messaging, supported by digital tools and reduced paper use. External sustainability communication and structured public-facing campaigns remain limited, presenting a clear opportunity for further development. Mannheim stands out as the most advanced example of visible and structured sustainability communication.
Biodiversity Initiative – Peelbergen
In 2025, Peelbergen introduced a biodiversity initiative by installing birdhouses in various areas of the venue grounds to support local bird populations and enhance on-site habitats. The venue plans to expand this initiative by extending habitat areas and further integrating biodiversity-support measures into the landscape in future editions.
Transparency Statement
This overview is based on self-reported information submitted by Organising Committees through the LES Event Sustainability Survey and supporting event sustainability reports for the 2025 season. Figures reflect the presence of practices and systems, not quantified environmental impacts, emissions, or resource consumption. Percentages are indicative and intended to provide a comparative overview across events.