Launched in 2019, the joint initiative aims to incentivise International Federations and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to work towards a tangible framework that reduces their greenhouse gas emissions.

To be recognised, International Federations and NOCs must be a part of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework, which was launched by the IOC and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2018.

They are also expected to present detailed data on their carbon reduction plans, requiring them to better understand and measure their annual carbon footprint.

"Sport has a huge power to fuel global change and climate change is among today's crises that need this change most urgently," said Julie Duffus, IOC Olympic Movement sustainability senior manager.

"Through our partnership, Dow has brought clear, robust and credible criteria to ensure that we make a meaningful impact. 

"If we want to incite effective action to address climate change, we need more such effective partnerships."

The call for submissions for this year's award went out in June and closed on September 1. 

Recipients will be announced in November at the annual IF Forum in Lausanne. 

Last year, 10 International Federations received a certificate in recognition of their commitment to climate action, including World Taekwondo, the International Equestrian Federation, the International Sambo Federation, the International Ski Federation, the International Golf Federation and the International Ice Hockey Federation.

World Rowing, the International Orienteering Federation, World Rugby and World Sailing were also recognised. 

Carbon reduction measures undertaken by the rewarded International Federations included initiatives that reduced waste in their operations and at events, and the assessment and reduction of the footprint of materials, food and equipment across their entire life cycle.

"Through our carbon partnership programme with the IOC, we've been able to push beyond business as usual to develop locally-relevant carbon mitigation projects all around the world," said Sergey Belyavskiy, technology and sustainability leader for Dow Olympic and Sports Solutions.

"This specific initiative expands the scope beyond the IOC into a much broader sphere. 

"Our collaboration is focused on catalysing climate action through sport, demonstrating how sports organisations can be true climate leaders."

The IOC and its Worldwide Olympic Partner Dow initiated a carbon partnership in September 2017.