The overlooked intersection of sport and sustainability: How football clubs are leading the charge

The sport and sustainability challenge for greener stadiums

When discussing sustainability, the conversation typically veers towards industries like manufacturing, energy, or transportation. However, sport, with its vast global reach and significant environmental footprint, often flies under the radar. However, the impact of football on climate change should not be overlooked as, the global football industry emits about thirty million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. This is about the same as a small nation such as Denmark or Tunisia. It’s time to shed light on how the sports industry, particularly football, can step up to meet the sustainability challenge.

The environmental impact of football

Football, the world’s most popular sport, has a massive influence, touching every corner of the globe. However, its environmental impact is substantial, encompassing everything from stadium construction and maintenance to travel emissions for teams and fans, and even the resources consumed during matches. Recognizing this, several football clubs are now pioneering innovative strategies to minimize their ecological footprint.

Green Stadiums: Building a sustainable future

Without significant action, 25% of English Football League stadiums are at risk of annual flooding by 2050 due to sea-level rise and extreme weather events caused by climate change. Stadiums are at the heart of football, but their own environmental impact is profound. Traditional stadiums consume vast amounts of energy, water, and materials. However, the tide is turning. Many clubs are now constructing or retrofitting stadiums to be more environmentally friendly. For example, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London features a combined heating, cooling, and power system that significantly reduces carbon emissions. Similarly, Forest Green Rovers, a club in England’s League Two, has taken sustainability to another level with their all-wooden stadium plans, aiming to be the greenest football club in the world.

Reducing Travel Emissions: The journey towards carbon neutrality

Travel is another significant contributor to football’s carbon footprint. Teams and fans travel extensively for matches, leading to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, some clubs are adopting carbon offsetting initiatives and promoting the use of public transport. Arsenal FC, for instance, encourages fans to use bicycles and public transport through various incentives. Additionally, clubs are exploring ways to reduce the need for long-distance travel by organizing regional tournaments and leagues.

Waste Management: Tackling the plastic problem

Football matches generate a considerable amount of waste, particularly single-use plastics. In response, several clubs have introduced measures to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. Tottenham Hotspur has banned single-use plastics within their stadium, while other clubs are following suit by introducing reusable cups, compostable packaging, and enhanced recycling programs.

Engaging Fans: Building a sustainable community

The role of fans cannot be underestimated in the journey towards sustainability. Football clubs are uniquely positioned to influence millions of supporters worldwide. By engaging fans in sustainability initiatives, clubs can amplify their impact. Campaigns promoting sustainable behaviours, such as reducing plastic use, carpooling to matches, or supporting local biodiversity projects, are becoming increasingly common.

The future of sustainable football

The efforts of these pioneering clubs demonstrate that sustainability and sport are not mutually exclusive. By integrating green practices into their operations, football clubs can not only reduce their environmental impact but also set an example for other industries to follow. However, a recent BBC article stated that “the lack of moral leadership seems to be a common thread among the top people in the different organisations in football, be that Fifa or now, it seems, the Premier League. There are lots sustainability professionals behind the scenes in sport doing incredible work, but the CEOs and board members seem to be getting in the way of making positive change”

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the role of sport in driving sustainability must not be overlooked. Football, with its global reach and passionate following, has the potential to lead the charge in creating a more sustainable future. By embracing innovation and engaging their vast fan base, football clubs can make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change, proving that the world’s favourite game can also be a green game.