A new national organisation, which aims to "educate, share best practice and integrate sustainability issues" across the UK sport sector, has officially launched in London.

The British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS) is a voluntary association of clubs, venues, national governing bodies and others involved in the sport sector that have come together in a bid to improve sustainability.

It is hoped that the organisation will also encourage sports fans to become more pro-actively involved in sustainability issues by using the reach of sport to connect with people.

The launch coincided with the publication of findings for a survey commissioned by BASIS, which was distributed to more than 180 organisations and venues.

Out of the responses received, it was found that 95 per cent believe it is important to manage the environmental impact of sports clubs and events.

More than two thirds (68 per cent) of participants said that they had an environmental policy in place, although 80 per cent said operations took precedence over sustainability.

The launch also featured presentations from a number of groups, including a keynote speech by National Football League (NFL) senior vice president of events Frank Supovitz.

In his speech, Supovitz revealed some of the schemes implemented around the annual Super Bowl event, including its Environmental Programme and Emerging Business Programme.

Going forward, BASIS now aims to further build its business plan; develop organisational capabilities; explore sponsorship opportunities; and investigate a membership offering.

Details: www.basis.org.uk