What We Heard: Insights from the SEA Member & Community Survey 2026

In early 2026, Sports Environment Alliance (SEA) invited members and the broader community to share their perspectives through our annual survey.

The response told a clear and consistent story.

Across the sector, there is strong motivation to act on sustainability. People care. There is genuine appetite to make progress on carbon, waste, sustainable events and the broader role sport can play in shaping a more sustainable future.

That’s not where the challenge sits.

The challenge is turning that intent into action.

A sector ready to act - but not always sure how

One of the strongest themes to emerge was the gap between ambition and capability.

There is growing awareness across the sector, particularly around areas like environmental reporting and emissions reduction, but when it comes to what action looks like in practice, many organisations are still finding their footing.

For some, the starting point isn’t clear. For others, it’s about understanding what “good” looks like, or how to apply it within their own context.

This isn’t a reflection of a lack of commitment. It’s a reflection of complexity.

Sport is a broad and interconnected system, spanning venues, events, supply chains, travel, volunteers and partners. For many organisations, particularly those without dedicated sustainability teams, navigating this space can feel technical, resource-intensive and difficult to prioritise.

The risk isn’t that organisations don’t care.

It’s that they stall.

Connection remains at the heart of progress

When asked what they value most about SEA, respondents consistently pointed to connection and shared learning.

The opportunity to engage with other organisations, access practical resources, and learn from real-world case studies continues to be central to SEA’s role.

Programs such as the SEA Summit and webinar series were highlighted as key platforms for bringing the sector together - reinforcing that SEA’s value lies not just in what it delivers, but in the community it convenes.

Importantly, the survey also highlighted that people aren’t looking for more information.

They’re looking for relevance.

There is no shortage of reports, frameworks and guides. What organisations want is the chance to hear from others like them - similar size, similar challenges, similar starting points - and to understand what has worked in practice.

That shift, from content to connection, is critical.

The grassroots reality

Another clear theme was the gap between large organisations and the broader sporting ecosystem.

While there is strong leadership and innovation happening at the elite and national level, most of sport operates at a community level; within local clubs, volunteer-run associations and regional organisations.

These groups are motivated to act, but often face constraints around time, resources and expertise.

When sustainability is framed through large-scale examples, it can feel out of reach.

Closing this gap is essential.

Because meaningful change in sport won’t be driven by a small number of leading organisations alone. It will be shaped by how accessible and practical sustainability becomes across the entire system.

Focus areas for the year ahead

The priorities identified through the survey reflect both immediate operational needs and emerging pressures.

Reducing carbon emissions, delivering more sustainable events, and improving waste and recycling practices remain front of mind.

At the same time, there is growing awareness of environmental reporting requirements, alongside increasing interest in the opportunities linked to Brisbane 2032.

This moment is already on the sector’s radar; not as a distant milestone, but as something being shaped now.

The decisions made in the coming years, around infrastructure, procurement, operations and programming will define the environmental legacy of the Games and their impact on sport in Australia.

There is a clear opportunity.

But for many organisations, the pathway to be part of that legacy is not yet clear.

Learning that fits the sector

The survey also reinforced the importance of flexible, accessible learning.

Short-form webinars, self-paced content and peer-to-peer engagement were all strongly preferred, reflecting the realities of a sector where capacity varies widely.

What works for a national body may not work for a regional club.

Meeting organisations where they are is critical to building momentum.

What happens next

These insights will directly inform SEA’s focus in 2026.

Over the coming months, SEA will continue to shape practical, value-driven initiatives that support members to move from intent to action - through accessible tools, clearer pathways and more opportunities for connection across the sector.

Because the challenge is no longer convincing sport that sustainability matters.

The challenge is making it easier to act.

If this resonates with your organisation, whether you’re just starting out or already well on the path - we’d love to hear from you.

Because the most valuable thing we can do as a sector isn’t just share ideas.

It’s to make sure the right people find each other.