Brighton aims for new climate goals
Brighton joins the list of Premier League clubs taking climate action
Following in the footsteps of clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion have joined the growing list of Premier League clubs that have signed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
By doing so, they are committing to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and aiming to reach Net Zero by 2040, in line with the Paris Agreement goals.
“Everyone at the club is highly conscious of the issues surrounding climate change and environmental sustainability. As a club, we know we can make a difference with our own initiatives, both now and in the future, and we are totally committed to doing so.”
Paul Barber, Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman at Brighton & Hove Albion
With the ambition to become one of the world’s most sustainable clubs by 2030, Brighton is making environmental sustainability a strategic priority.
Demonstrating how football clubs can improve their sustainability performance
On its journey to Net Zero, the club is committing to measuring and reporting its greenhouse gas emissions annually while tracking key metrics to monitor its decarbonisation progress.
To tackle its energy emissions, the club has installed over 400 solar panels at its training grounds, purchases 100% renewable electricity and is upgrading its lighting to LED.
Similarly to other businesses, supply chain emissions represent a significant share of the club’s environmental impact, which is why Brighton is also focusing on its scope 3 emissions.
Collaborating with suppliers that prioritise reducing their emissions will be a key part of the journey to Net Zero, as exemplified by their decision to partner with local food suppliers.
Additionally, the club has ensured that vegan and vegetarian options are in every catering offering. On match days, nearly a third of all food offered to fans is vegan or vegetarian.
As with every other sports team, involving the fans will be crucial to effectively reducing Brighton & Hove Albion’s emissions and amplifying the reach of its environmental strategy.
That’s why home and away fans can use their football tickets to benefit from free transport on buses and trains within the club’s travel zone on game days. They’re the first club to implement this!
Using the club’s platform to create waves of climate action
As a Premier League club, Brighton is watched by millions and has the potential to use this platform to be a driving force for climate action. They see their recent commitment to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework as an opportunity to drive sustainability in football and beyond.
“Not only will this help reduce our own environmental impact through working in partnership with others but also aims to use our position in football to promote environmental responsibility more widely.”
Thomas Harris, Sustainability Manager at Brighton & Hove Albion
Through its foundation, Brighton is at the heart of its local community and is creating the next generation of change-makers. Their “Protect the Planet” social enterprise project encouraged children to complete a challenge with an environmental theme, and one of the club’s academy teams took part in a beach clean.
On its journey to Net Zero, Brighton has the opportunity and platform to educate players, fans and other sports organisations on environmental topics. As a leader, the club can also demonstrate to the world of sports how to best prioritise environmental sustainability and create waves of climate action.
