Ice-World International has joined Team Sustainable Ice (Team Duurzaam IJs) as a Technical Supplier. With over 30 years of experience in designing, developing and delivering temporary and (semi-)permanent ice rinks worldwide, Ice-World brings specialist expertise in ice rink technology, energy efficiency and the practical delivery of ice facilities.

Working Together for Sustainable Ice Skating

Team Sustainable Ice (TDIJ) was established in 2024 by the Royal Dutch Skating Federation (KNSB), Essent and Daikin. The consortium brings together experts to develop solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and future-proof ice skating infrastructure in the Netherlands. Sustainability goes beyond energy and technology. It is also about keeping ice skating accessible and affordable for future generations while preserving the sport’s social value. Ice-World will actively contribute to this shared ambition through its technical expertise and extensive international experience.

Sustainability goes beyond energy and technology. It is also about keeping ice skating accessible and affordable for future generations while preserving the sport’s social value. Ice-World will actively contribute to this shared ambition through its technical expertise and extensive international experience.

Sustainable Ice Technology at the 2024 World Short Track Championships

Ice-World also contributes its knowledge and technology to elite-level ice sports. The company played a key role in delivering the temporary ice rink for the 2024 ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships at Rotterdam Ahoy. Beyond supplying and installing the ice rink, Ice-World contributed to more efficient use of energy and water. Waste heat from the refrigeration system was used to melt the shaved ice collected during ice resurfacing and heat the resulting water. This water was then reused by the ice resurfacing machine to create a fresh layer of ice. By recovering both heat and water, the project demonstrated how practical technical solutions can contribute to more sustainable ice skating.

Bringing Ice Skating Closer to Communities

Each year, Ice-World delivers more than 70 temporary ice rinks across the Netherlands, bringing ice skating closer to local communities. These rinks introduce new generations to the joy of skating, bring people together and create vibrant winter destinations that benefit local businesses.

“Making ice skating more sustainable requires more than new technology. It also takes knowledge, experience and collaboration,” says Wilbert Lek, Managing Director of Ice-World International. “By sharing expertise and developing new solutions together, we can help ensure that ice skating remains accessible for future generations. We are proud to contribute our technical expertise to the ambitions of Team Sustainable Ice, alongside strong partners such as KNSB, Essent and Daikin.”

Sharing Expertise for Future Generations

Jeroen Kraaij, Commercial Director of KNSB, adds: “Ice-World is a leading company in the ice skating industry. Through its temporary ice rinks, Ice-World brings the joy of skating to communities across the Netherlands, creating valuable local connections. The company has also helped make major international sporting events possible, including the 2024 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships at Rotterdam Ahoy. We are delighted to welcome Ice-World as a Technical Supplier to Team Sustainable Ice and look forward to benefiting from its knowledge and expertise in helping ice rink operators become more sustainable.”