British Fencing leads the way

A landmark moment for sustainable travel in sport

Progress doesn’t always come from sweeping reforms. Sometimes, it starts with a simple decision that changes what’s considered normal. 

Today, British Fencing has become the first sports organisation and the first National Governing Body in the UK to adopt Sustainable Travel Leave - a landmark step that recognises the role employers can play in supporting low-carbon choices within and outside of the workplace.

This is more than a policy announcement. It’s a signal. A statement of intent. And a powerful example of how sport can lead in the transition to a cleaner, fairer future.

A breakthrough for climate leadership

Sport has always been about pushing boundaries - striving for excellence, setting new standards, and inspiring others to follow. By adopting Sustainable Travel Leave, British Fencing is doing exactly that.

It’s a simple idea. But its impact is profound.

By valuing climate-responsible choices and acknowledging the realities of sustainable travel, British Fencing is aligning its HR approach with the values of fairness, responsibility, and long-term thinking that sport represents.

British Fencing’s approach recognises a fundamental truth: doing the right thing for the climate shouldn’t come at a personal cost.

Supporting climate-friendly choices, wherever they happen

Flying is the most polluting individual action an individual will take in their life. A 2020 study revealed that two thirds of airplane users said they planned to take fewer flights to help combat climate change - but there’s a key barrier preventing even highly motivated individuals from accessing low-carbon travel.

Travelling by land or sea can often take longer, meaning those wanting to make the more sustainable choice must sacrifice more of their personal time for the journey. 

British Fencing’s new policy changes that.

The principle is straightforward. A London–Berlin rail journey cuts emissions by roughly 92 percent but takes seven hours longer than flying. Through Sustainable Travel Leave, the additional travel time is covered by a modest leave allowance, removing a key barrier to clean travel.

It’s a simple but meaningful way to ensure staff aren’t penalised for making climate-responsible choices in their personal lives.

Turning climate ambition into practical action

Many organisations talk about sustainability. Fewer take practical steps that make a real difference in people’s lives.

This policy does exactly that. It removes a key structural barrier to sustainable travel by recognising the extra time it can require. Instead of leaving individuals to carry the burden alone, British Fencing is providing tangible support.

It’s a practical, scalable approach that other organisations - both within and beyond sport - can adopt.

This is particularly important in sport, where domestic and international travel is often essential - both for athletes and fans alike. By embedding sustainable travel into organisational policy, British Fencing is demonstrating that climate responsibility and operational excellence can go hand-in-hand.

Leading by example

As the first sports organisation and the first National Governing Body to adopt Sustainable Travel Leave, British Fencing is setting a precedent that reaches far beyond fencing.

National Governing Bodies play a unique role. They shape not only elite competition, but grassroots participation, community engagement, and the culture of their sport. Their leadership sends signals across clubs, partners, athletes, and fans.

By taking this step, British Fencing is showing that climate leadership is practical, achievable, and compatible with high performance.

Their decision helps answer an important question facing the entire sporting sector: what does meaningful climate action actually look like in practice? 

Now, there is a clear example to follow.

By introducing Sustainable Travel Leave, British Fencing is demonstrating that climate responsibility is part of organisational culture, not just operational necessity. It shows care and support towards staff, and a willingness to align organisational values with everyday decisions.

Their leadership shows that climate action doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about creating the conditions that allow better choices to become easier choices.

Policies like this help normalise sustainable travel. They signal that slower, lower-carbon journeys are not an inconvenience to be endured, but a positive choice to be supported and celebrated.

Why this matters

The climate crisis requires action across every part of society, including how we travel for pleasure.

By supporting staff to choose lower-carbon holidays, British Fencing is helping to shift norms, reduce emissions, and demonstrate that organisations can play a meaningful role in enabling change.

This isn’t about telling people where they can go. It’s about supporting how they get there.

And in doing so, British Fencing is reinforcing an essential principle: climate leadership means backing your values with action.

The first step in a wider movement

British Fencing has set a new benchmark for the sporting sector.

Now, there is an opportunity for others to follow - to recognise that supporting sustainable travel is not just good for the climate, but good for people, culture, and leadership.

Real change often begins with a first mover.

British Fencing has taken that step, showing what leadership looks like.

The journey to a more sustainable future is underway.

Clare Halsted, the chair of British Fencing’s Environmental Sustainability Group said, 

“I am delighted to see my beloved sport taking this generous step towards reducing carbon emissions.

We fencers can't change the world but we can play our small part and hopefully influence others.”