Identifying Barriers to the Implementation of Energy-Saving Policies and the Reduction of Natural Resource Consumption in Sports Facilities

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D Candidate in Sport Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

3 PhD, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

4 Associate Professor, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

10.22034/jsmk.2026.68959.1186

Abstract

In recent years, growing environmental concerns and rising energy costs have highlighted the urgent need for energy efficiency in public infrastructure, particularly sports facilities. Due to their technical design, continuous use, and reliance on energy-intensive equipment, sports facilities are among the most demanding urban spaces in terms of energy consumption. Despite the development of multiple strategic documents in Iran, evidence indicates limited practical achievement of energy-saving policies in this sector. This study is applied in purpose and employed a qualitative method using a descriptive phenomenological approach. The research population consisted of experts in the field, with 21 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which continued until no new concepts emerged, resulting in 21 interviews. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA 2020, and the final validation of the study was ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability criteria. A total of 120 sub-themes were identified and classified into 10 main themes: managerial, economic, technological and infrastructural, cultural, social, educational, climatic, legal, inter-organizational, and macro-policy challenges. These structural barriers, intertwined with one another, hinder the realization of strategic objectives for optimizing energy use in the sports sector. Based on the findings, designing and implementing effective policies in this area requires a fundamental revision of energy governance, enhancement of knowledge and consumption culture, establishment of data-driven monitoring mechanisms, and adoption of localized models tailored to the context of sports facilities in Iran

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References

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Journal of Sport Management Knowledge
Volume 3, Issue 2 - Serial Number 6
March 2026
Pages 174-187

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 31 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 15 January 2026

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