Impact & Sustainability

Sporting organisations are at the heart of many physical communities, and sports have the power to bring large groups of people together around shared interests. This positions sport as a potential force for positive change in a world that seems more divided than ever.

Sporting events can provide a rare occasion for people who otherwise disagree to forget about their differences and focus on their common ground.

However, the environmental impact of international travel, the resources required to host sporting events, and the consumption encouraged by sports fandom present challenges for the industry's sustainability efforts.

Despite this, many clubs and venues are launching initiatives and strategies to become carbon neutral, recognising the importance of climate action.

  • Social Impact Initiatives: Sports organisations are increasingly using their platform to promote social causes such as diversity, inclusion, anti-crime and mental health awareness.

  • Sustainability Efforts: Clubs and venues are implementing measures to reduce their carbon footprint, including renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and sustainable transportation options.

  • Climate-friendly transport: Adoption of sustainable transportation options, such as electric team buses and bike-sharing schemes for fans

  • Fan Engagement for Good: Fans are being actively involved in sustainability and social impact initiatives, creating a sense of shared responsibility and positive change.

  • Athlete Activism: Athletes are increasingly using their voices to advocate for social and environmental issues, inspiring fans and driving change.

  • Partnerships with environmental organisations to raise awareness and fund conservation projects

  • Development of circular economy principles in sports merchandise and equipment production, focusing on recycling and reducing waste

  • Increased use of plant-based and locally sourced food options in stadium concessions to minimise environmental impact

Future Outlook:

  • Establishment of industry-wide sustainability standards and reporting frameworks to ensure accountability and drive progress

  • Collaboration between sports organisations and governments to develop policies and incentives for sustainable practices

  • Integration of sustainability education into youth sports programmes to foster environmental stewardship from a young age

  • Development of innovative solutions for water conservation and management in sports facilities

  • Increased use of carbon offsetting and green investments by sports organisations to balance their environmental impact

Examples:

🇬🇧 Recognising the impact of the increasing adverse weather conditions Sport England announced Every Move, a comprehensive strategy for dealing with the effects of climate change.

⚽ Brighton & Hove Albion have launched ‘My Albion My Planet’ - a commitment to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework and strategy for how they will meet the goals.

⚽ The British Heart Foundation (BHF) leveraged Euro 2024 for a powerful campaign titled “‘Til I Died”, to drive awareness of the fact that, on average, 12 children die because of cardiac arrest every week in the UK.