Sustainability at the 2018 Volcom Pipe Pro - A Deep Blue Event

We are proud to announce that for the past five years, the Volcom Pipe Pro on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, has been certified a Deep Blue Surfing Event! This means we have ran a more “Ocean Friendly” event that sets a clear path for reducing environmental and community impacts of a professional surfing contest. The sustainability report is a transparent description of the sustainability performance of the event, and includes measured data, photos and videos, and suggestions for improvement. Deep Blue Surfing Events address impacts directly related to the local contest area, including waste reduction, protection of natural resources, and the building of stronger communities. They also reduce direct threats to the global sport of surfing itself, such as: sea level rise, ocean acidification, and the loss of the world’s living coral reefs, which leading scientific institutions warn are already harming our oceans, waves and beaches.

To receive a Deep Blue Surfing Event designation, an event is required to reduce environmental and social impacts of the event, and develop a data collection plan to measure performance on impact reduction. This data must show that it has met minimum goals for at least two of the five major categories of environmental and social impacts, and the 2017 Volcom Pipe Pro has exceeded the minimum requirements of all five categories measured!

Sustainability Performance Summary
  • Waste Diversion: 66% of waste diverted from landfill

 

  • Renewable Energy: Contest powered by 100% renewable biodiesel fuel and solar electricity

 

  • Climate Change: 100% of CO2 footprint mitigated

 

  • Community Support: Supported local community organizations with more than $100,000 in donations

 

  • Transportation: Promoted alternative transportation for athletes, staff, and spectators

The 2017 Volcom Pipe Pro has exceeded the minimum goal for Waste Diversion with a total diversion ratio of 66%. We have shown a strong commitment to waste diversion, maintaining a high ratio of waste diversion as per previous years. 2017 saw a decrease in the total waste diversion throughout the event (down from 74% in 2016). Also noteworthy was that the total volume of waste produced was up significantly from 1,365 lbs to 3,559 lbs.

*Full report on Waste @ the Volcom Pipe Pro

The 2017 Volcom Pipe Pro has exceeded the minimum goal for sourcing Renewable Energy by sourcing bio-diesel for renewable energy used to power the event and webcast, and powering two of the event HQ houses with solar energy.

The VPP sourced B100 biodiesel from Pacific Biodiesel, making the event the first professional surfing event in the world to use a 100% bio-derived fuel. This is the fifth year of using biodiesel to power the Viking Generators for the event and the first year the 100% bio-derived fuel has been utilized. Volcom also now has solar photovoltaic energy systems on both of the two Volcom houses in front of Pipeline. These houses form a key component of the infrastructure of the contest, with solar electric energy helping to reduce the fossil fuel energy needed for the houses.

*Full report on Energy @ the Volcom Pipe Pro

The 2017 Volcom Pipe Pro has exceeded the minimum goal for Community Support by providing significant financial support and visibility for several community group partners.

The event supported three charitable organizations with more than $100,000! Funds are generated by the sales of Volcom Pipe Pro merchandise at the contest and through sales of specialty items throughout the year. Supported charities included: Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Live Like Sion Memorial Fund, Sunset Elementary School, and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii.

*Full report on Community Support @ the Volcom Pipe Pro

The 2017 Volcom Pipe Pro has exceeded the minimum goal for Climate Impact through offsetting 100% of the measured CO2 footprint of the event. The total estimated footprint for the event is 359.7 tons CO2e. The event has offset 100% of these carbon emissions with verified carbon credits from the Wildlife Works Carbon Kasigau Corridor, Kenya REDD+ Project. See the registry certificate for the purchased offsets.

*Full report on Climate Change @ the Volcom Pipe Pro

The 2017 Volcom Pipe Pro has met the minimum goal for providing greener transportation options with shuttle services for event staff, athletes, and media personnel. In partnership with the VPP, Turtle Bay Resort, a major resort on the North Shore of Hawaii, provided daily shuttles to the event. This effort reduces individual car trips, traffic congestion, and CO2 emissions. The event also promoted alternative methods of transportation such as carpooling, riding bikes, and walking.

*Full report on Transportation @ the Volcom Pipe Pro