Striving For Sustainable Sport Next Season

On the back of the COP26 Agreement and a Net Zero strategy drawn out by the government, the Premier League and EFL have produced a 100-page draft of new green proposals for clubs to look towards putting in place for next season.

Prior to COP26 we saw an ambitious attempt by Tottenham Hotspur in collaboration with Sky to create a net zero carbon approach to the September visit of Chelsea FC. Tottenham Hotspur have utilised their fantastic new stadium to be at the forefront of sustainability in sport, announcing a commitment to becoming net zero and receiving recognition by topping the Premier League sustainability table for the third year running.

The 100-page draft of the Premier League Charitable Fund and EFL Trust's new Capability Code of Practice document expects club community projects to comply with from the start of the 2022-23 campaign. The Premier League and EFL want clubs to embrace the document of green proposals next season, with all 92 league clubs receiving a copy which outlines advice on how to tackle the challenge of climate change. The report includes suggestions on inviting staff to use cycle-to-work schemes and to take advantage of Government incentives, such as tax-free and pool bikes, to encourage staff to avoid using cars to commute. Clubs are also asked to reduce unnecessary travel by using online video meeting tools. In addition, they are being encouraged to serve more plant-based food within their stadia and facilities, whilst advising switching to 100 per cent renewable energy providers.

If agreed, the measures will be rolled out at community and grassroots levels from the start of next season. A deadline of March 31st has been set for clubs to respond to the draft code and then they must detail how they intend to comply.