Sunderland AFC Launches 'Ready Eco' Sustainability Plan
After pledging to implement an ambitious sustainability strategy in 2023, the Club has continued to make strides behind the scenes to ensure the Club becomes an environmental leader at a regional and national level within sport and beyond.
Summer ’24 has been an important period in continuing to progress the sustainable narrative with several projects completing, including the implementation of LED lighting at the Stadium of Light.
A determination to collaborate with like‑minded partners has also been embedded into the Club’s culture, with hummel producing SAFC’s incredible line of 2024‑25 kits from up to eight recycled plastic bottles.
New agreements with NWH Group and Egreen are also revolutionising how Sunderland AFC process matchday waste on Wearside, with more stadium waste than ever now recycled right here in the North East.
Following the declaration of a climate emergency by Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council, the Club is also continuing to spearhead proposals for a 40MW solar development at the Academy of Light.
A planning application has been submitted for the proposed development, which would provide a valuable contribution to tackling the effects of climate change, including the potential to provide clean energy for up to 9,700 homes in South Tyneside.
The facility could also play an integral role in underpinning our regional economy and support local jobs by providing major manufacturing and industrial entities with cost‑effective clean energy.
Chief Business Officer David Bruce said: “We deeply understand our economic and environmental responsibilities, which includes our ambition to become one of the first net zero Football Clubs in the United Kingdom. This is why we have launched ‘Ready Eco’, our environmental platform, which brings together the many activities the Club is currently embarking upon in addition to our vision for the future. This summer has been a transformational period at the Stadium of Light and we believe that doing right by the environment means we are a stronger business that can continue to deliver exceptional experiences for fans. This is just the start, and we look forward to working collectively with our staff, players, supporters, and partners to achieve our goals.”
Bottom image Credit: Sunderland AFC.
