EcoloTor for the TORX®

• EcoloTor’s sustainability efforts will focus on three main areas:
• Waste management, starting from responsible procurement;
• Renewable energy;
• Combating food waste.

Waste

To reduce the total amount of waste generated and maximize recycling and recovery, supplies and procurement are selected based on minimizing waste production, recyclability of materials, sustainability certifications, and logistical organization.

Separate waste collection

Building on past experience, during large events separate waste collection works best when collection points are visible, well-communicated, visually appealing, and above all, staffed. For this reason, a group of volunteers (VolonTOR) will oversee eco-islands and assist runners—especially international participants—and their supporters in proper recycling.

Supervision by ERICA and Eco Scope

A technician from ERICA soc. coop. will supervise and assist at the life bases to ensure final separation and correct disposal according to local waste management services. Waste will be weighed by category using a digital dynamometer, with real-time reporting of results for immediate evaluation of performance. In addition, a special “eco scope” initiative will recover any abandoned materials and clean the trails from litter left by spectators or hikers.

2019 Project Innovations

EcoloTor 2019 introduces several innovations. The first is the ratification of a “Charter for Sustainable Sports Events” during the TORX®. This document stems from a collective need—both national and international—to highlight the importance of environmental protection and adopt goals to make temporary events such as sports competitions ecologically sustainable. Only through a different and innovative operational strategy—mindful of natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems—can environmental degradation and depletion be effectively countered.

The signing of this document during the Tor’s 10th anniversary represents the culmination of a long sustainability journey undertaken by the organizers. It also aims to consolidate acquired knowledge and skills to promote sustainable best practices in sports on both a national and international scale.

During the TORX®, a series of multi-site samplings on high-altitude glaciers will also be carried out by Erica Soc. Coop., ARPA Valle d’Aosta, and the European Research Institute to analyze the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in snow. This would represent the first multi-site sampling over such a wide area, resulting in a highly innovative and timely research project, with results to be shared through scientific publications and media outlets.

Environmental Committee

The organizers, in collaboration with local institutions and ERICA, have also set up an environmental committee that will oversee the entire project: from the selection of suppliers based on environmental criteria, to achieving sustainability goals, to dedicated environmental communication, as well as monitoring the race itself and compliance with sustainability requirements.

The EcoloTor project is supported by the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta, COREPLA, RICREA, CIAL, Tetra Pak, De Vizia, Enval, Lucart, and technical partner Montura.