(Thomas McAtee, Shutterstock)
ARSENAL has announced that it has become the only football club in the world to have a net-zero target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The club committed to reach net-zero by 2040 when it signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework four years ago, also becoming the first club in the English Premier League to do so.
In line with the SBTi standards, Arsenal’s net-zero action plan focusses on reducing and decarbonising its energy consumption across the Emirates Stadium; Sobha Realty Training Centre; its academy building, Hale End; and its offices.
The club will also take action to promote more sustainable supporter travel options, whilst also minimising waste and improving recycling, as well as boosting matchday water use, and working with suppliers to set decarbonisation goals and reduce emissions from its goods and services purchased.
Arsenal Football Club MD, Richard Garlick, said, “We are in a privileged position where the actions we take inspire change on a global scale, and our goal is to drive sustainability together with our people, our supporters, and all our communities around the world. Reducing our impact sits right at the heart of our club strategy, and today is about ensuring we are accountable as we continue our journey to net-zero.”
Arsenal Director of ESG, Hannah Mansour, added, “We’re proud that our net-zero target has today been approved by the SBTi, which is part of our commitment to being thorough and transparent in reducing our footprint. We continue to take actions that deliver against this target, focused on reducing emissions across our value chain.
“The full extent of the actions we’re taking for our environment go beyond the scope of our SBTi-approved net-zero target. We will also continue to partner for our goals with our commercial and local partners to help our communities adapt to the effects of climate change. This includes encouraging supporters to make sustainable choices and promote more sustainable travel options, and using our platform to educate, lift voices and inspire action in our local and global communities.”
