Northampton Saints combine rugby and sustainability excellence
Northampton Saints are pioneering sustainability in rugby
10 years after winning their first title, Northampton Saints finished their 2023-2024 season with a win over Bath that crowned them champions of the Gallagher Premiership.
Around the time of its first title, the club started taking climate action by installing solar panels on the roof of its stadium to provide renewable energy for the grounds.
In 2022, they extended their climate commitments by joining the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework and setting the target to reach Net Zero emissions by 2040.
On this decarbonisation journey, Northampton Saints are proactively working to measure, reduce and report their greenhouse gas emissions.
Demonstrating how rugby clubs can take climate action
Spearheaded by Julia Chapman, the Saints are making sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the club a strategic priority.
Through their partnership with solar energy experts Solivus, they have installed over 600 solar panels on the roof of the stadium’s stands.
By doing so, they’ve transformed previously unused space into an asset that reduces their energy bills and dependency on the grid.
“There are 1,000s of buildings with roof space like ours that you can't use for any other purpose. This gives us commercial benefit, as well as reducing our carbon footprint so it’s worth considering.”
Julia Chapman, Finance & Operations Director at Northampton Saints
Alongside these efforts, the club exclusively sources electricity from renewable sources by being on a zero-carbon tariff with their energy provider.
Where possible, the Saints are also driving energy efficiency measures by installing LEDs, insulating buildings and installing double glazing.
Regarding the food they offer fans, they have partnered with catering provider Levy to increase vegan and vegetarian offerings and ensure that produce is seasonal and locally sourced.
The club is also tackling plastic waste by promoting the use of Ecocups, using recycled plastic bags in its store, and reducing the use of single-use plastic in catering outlets.
Creating a knock-on effect on climate action in sports
Through these initiatives, Northampton Saints have the ambition to operate at the highest levels of sustainability and inspire other organisations in rugby to follow suit.
They are part of the first leading pack of rugby clubs tackling climate change, committing to Net Zero, and using the sport to drive waves of climate action.
“We’re proud to be pioneers in sustainability within the Gallagher Premiership. We intend to use the power and reach of Northampton Saints to inspire our community to push for a more sustainable future for everyone.”
Julia Chapman, Finance & Operations Director at Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints are dedicated to using their platform and influence to educate and engage their fans and community on the journey to Net Zero.
The club is not only following World Rugby’s guidance on environmental sustainability but also setting an example for other organisations in rugby and the wider sports industry.
