Sustainability
Experience a sustainable Waregem Koerse!
At Waregem Koerse, we are committed to a sustainable future and have already taken important steps towards sustainability since 2022. We have analysed our Carbon Footprint and taken concrete initiatives in terms of environmental and social responsibility. Now we want to develop our event further and make it even more sustainable!
CO2 emissions:
This year, we are working with a specialist company to map our CO2 emissions even better.
Energy:
Our construction and dismantling are done entirely on solar panels and batteries, which means that we reduce our diesel consumption by 35%. We optimize all energy points through detailed analyses of the use of diesel generators. In 2022, we installed fixed electrical cabinets, and we want to expand this further in the future.
Waste:
We mandate the use of reusable cups for everyone except VIPs, who work with glass. Cardboard drink holders or plastic/PET bottles are not allowed. Our fast food products are not sold in plastic. The waste is sorted, we work together with green teams and with a specialized company for waste management. The signage is reused annually.
We mandate the use of reusable cups for everyone except VIPs, who work with glass. Cardboard drink holders or plastic/PET bottles are not allowed. Our fast food products are not sold in plastic. The waste is sorted, we work with green teams and with a specialist waste management company. The signage is reused annually.
Water:
We use 100% vacuum toilets for the general public to save 10,000s of liters of water. The water that waters the slopes is recycled rainwater. Dhemic products are not allowed. All our cleaning products are ecologically degradable.
Transport:
We use electric gators. We promote public transport and the capacity during Waregem Koerse is increased. A large bicycle parking area at the hippodrome gives cyclists a special lease of life.
Social Responsibility:
We offer unemployed individuals a chance to integrate into our organizational team and gain a positive work experience. Afterwards, we offer them a certificate with which they can start applying for jobs.
- We organize the Horserace 4 Brain, a race to raise awareness about brain disorders and make people aware of how to keep their brains healthy. We work together with the non-profit organization 4 Brain for this. The prize money won will be donated to 4Brain or an organization with the same mission as 4Brain.
- People who buy a ticket and give a donation to 4Brain have a chance to participate in the Horse Race 4Brain.
- In collaboration with the welfare house of Waregem, we offer a reduced rate ticket so that everyone can enjoy Waregem Koerse.
- People from residential care centres or people with disabilities can enjoy Waregem Koerse in a specially equipped place.
- Equestrian sports are one of the few sports where both men and women compete against each other. We deliberately put the female jockeys in the picture.
- Our merchandising products are fair trade products.
Safety:
We have an internal emergency plan and closely followed safety regulations for all our employees. Collaboration with Noodweer.be helps us monitor the weather.
Heat:
At temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, we use a heat plan.
Horse-friendliness:
At Waregem Koerse, horse welfare is key! In 2023, we adapted the course for safety, the obstacles were replanted for the jumpability of the horses. We provide mandatory vet check-ups through independent veterinarians from the University of Ghent. Waregem Koerse is the only horse race in Belgium that organizes this. We also work together with external organisations in the context of horse welfare. Our grass surface is optimally maintained, and we carry out doping controls for both horses and jockeys.
At Waregem Koerse, we combine sustainability and social responsibility with a fantastic equestrian experience.
