Oxford United is taking climate action
Committing to Net Zero
Oxford United recently became the 13th English Football Club to sign the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework. By doing so, the club is committing to halving its emissions by 2030 and to reaching net zero by 2040.
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face, and football has an important role to play in tackling it. Oxford United is committed to improving sustainability in the EFL and is proud to have signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.”
Tim Williams, CEO of Oxford United
With the framework being launched in 2018, Oxford United joins more than 250 signatories, including the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Formula 1, and the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Through the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, sports organisations are collaborating to align their decarbonisation strategies with the Paris Agreement and ensure a low-carbon future for sports.
A sustainable stadium
Following this commitment, Oxford United Football Club have also announced their plan to build a stadium that would be solely powered by electricity. With this would come the partnership with low-carbon energy suppliers and the on-site generation of renewable energy.
Similarly to what clubs such as Forest Green Rovers have done, Oxford United is planning to deploy solar panels on the roof of its stadium. In its design plans, the club intends to build 3000m² of solar panels on the roof.
Alongside sourcing and producing low-carbon electricity, the stadium would be constructed with the objective of optimizing thermal performance to reduce energy demands for cooling in the summer and retain heat in the winter.
To do so, technologies such as air source heat pumps would be leveraged to capture heat from the outside to meet the stadium’s energy demands. When compared to gas boilers, this could provide an estimated 80% reduction in emissions per year for the club.
“The standout element of the stadium is it will be the most sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country. We want to make the most of the opportunity to create something special – it would be one of the greenest football stadiums to be built.”
Jon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United
Regarding water management, the stadium would be equipped with drainage and rain storage systems to reuse rainwater. From a biodiversity point of view, Oxford United see this development as an opportunity to create publicly accessible gardens and green spaces.
This proposed 16,000-capacity stadium could play a key role in the club’s journey to Net Zero. With the deal to play at their current home, Kassam Stadium, expiring in 2026, Oxford United will soon be submitting a planning application.
Through these initiatives and commitments, sports organisations and football clubs like Oxford United can create waves of climate action, educate individuals about climate change and involve their communities in creating positive change:
“As the county’s sole professional club, we’re mindful of our responsibility to lead the way in taking action against climate change and using the reach of Oxford United to inspire our community to work together towards a more sustainable future.”
Tim Williams, CEO of Oxford United
