The Madrid Volleyball Federation (FMVB) has, for the third consecutive year, been awarded the SportGreenFlag, a recognition for good environmental practices in sports, as the organization continues to experience unprecedented growth in participation.
The SportGreenFlag, promoted by the Spanish Sports Association (ADESP) in collaboration with the Libera Project, signifies adherence to strict environmental criteria and places the FMVB among the leading sports organizations in Spain committed to sustainability. This recognition comes as the FMVB navigates a surge in popularity, boasting over 300,000 participants each weekend and more than 1,000 matches weekly, making it the fastest-growing sports federation in the country after football and basketball.
Central to this growth is the Beach Volleyball Centre at Puerta de Hierro Sports Park, described as one of the best fixed and permanent facilities of its kind in Europe. FMVB President Pedro Gironés highlighted the sustainability benefits of a permanent facility, stating that avoiding the construction and dismantling of temporary venues significantly reduces the carbon footprint of each event. “Not having to build and destroy to rebuild a facility generates the least impact on the carbon footprint,” he explained.
Gironés, who assumed the presidency a year ago, inheriting a project initiated by Felipe Pascual, aims to extend the Green Sport Flag certification to all events held at Puerta de Hierro. The FMVB is currently focusing on six key areas: efficient recycling management, responsible water usage, and reducing the environmental impact of transportation to and from the facility.
The Pro Tour Madrid Futures, a Beach Volleyball World Tour event, was recently held at the Puerta de Hierro Sports Park and also carries the GREEN SPORT FLAG certification, demonstrating the FMVB’s commitment to sustainable practices. The event also welcomed over 1,100 primary and secondary school students during the week, integrating sustainability education into the competition.
Despite the rapid expansion, Gironés acknowledged the challenges of keeping pace with infrastructure, coaching resources, and referee availability. The FMVB’s success, however, positions it as a potential European benchmark for sustainable sport, with ongoing efforts to implement environmentally responsible policies across all its activities.
