South Pole joins Belgian cycling teams on climate change initiative

Global consultancy South Pole is stepping up an existing collaboration with three Belgian cycling teams to guide sustainability initiatives.

The collaboration is a partnership with the Men's World Tour Team as well as the teams under the umbrella of Decolef, a group of teams headed by Belgian former professional cyclist Patrick Lefevere. Decolef includes the women’s team AG Insurance, Soudal Quick-Step Team, and Soudal Quick-Step Men’s Development team.

South Pole’s collaboration with the teams, which has been ongoing for around five years, has seen the Switzerland-headquartered consulting firm calculate the CO2 footprints of the teams and help with sponsoring climate initiatives with a global reach.

Previous projects include a fundraising auction from one of the teams for a custom bicycle frame, with proceeds going to an organization that supports farmers in decreasing the use of synthetic fertilizers and supporting biodiversity.

“Taking climate action is as much about creating lives that are more healthy, efficient and fun, as it is about reducing our carbon emissions – we have so much to gain from rebalancing our relationship with the planet,” said Renat Heuberger, CEO of South Pole.

“That's why we are delighted to partner with Decolef, to leverage the power of cycling in order to raise awareness and drive climate action. This collaboration is a perfect example of how we can harness the power of cycling to tackle the monumental challenge in front of us.”

Under the partnership, Decolef is gearing up to raise awareness on climate finance, funding environmental protection projects, and working towards an equitable low-carbon future. The main goal is to take the lead on sustainability within the cycling industry.

“South Pole's leadership and expertise in driving climate impact for all make them an ideal partner for our team not only to address our own climate impact, but to ignite a transformative shift in attitudes and behaviors across the globe and remind everyone that it all starts with us,” said Patrick Lefevere.