4 Ways Technology Is Powering Sustainability At 2025 London Marathon

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As over 56,000 runners lace up for the 2025 TCS London Marathon, many will have relied on technology through their training journey. A booming wearables market is forecast to be worth $171 billion by 2032, and GPS watches, mobile apps and AI-powered platforms collect data that enables runners to optimise performance.

Organisers of the London Marathon are also relying on innovative technology, not just to deliver a seamless event but to reduce its environmental impact. From smarter, waste-reducing logistics, turning runners’ urine into fertiliser and carbon removal investments, organisers are leveraging tech for impact.

In a world where sports tourism is booming, and its carbon footprint rising, London Marathon’s sustainability initiatives offer insights of how large events can balance performance with responsibility.

1. Circular Technology Creates Fertiliser From Urine

A start-up that recovers nutrients from human urine to create bio-based fertiliser will be putting the pre-race toilet stop to good use this year. Around 1,000 litres of urine will be collected and made into fertiliser, to be used in tests to assess its performance on wheat growth. In a conversion process similar to treating waste water, bacteria will be added to create ammonium nitrate, that plants need to grow.

Hannah Van Den Bergh, founder of NPK Recovery, the organisation responsible for the novel manufacturing technology, shared, “Urine doesn’t have to be a waste product and we’re excited to be playing a small part in helping support the sustainability commitments of the iconic TCS London Marathon.”

The urine is collected in innovative gender equalising women’s urinals, that are three times quicker to use than regular portable toilets. Amber Probyn, co-founder of PEEQUAL, said, “We love coming to the TCS London Marathon because we firmly believe that women shouldn’t have to choose between starting their race on-time or waiting to go to the loo.”

Kate Chapman, head of sustainability for London Marathon Events commented, “part of our environmental strategy is to try and find an ‘onward use’ for all waste that is generated at our events, for instance composting, reusing, upcycling and much more besides.”

2. App Measures and Reports Impact

A cloud-based app for responsible event planning enables London Marathon Events to track, measure, and report the marathon’s environmental and social impacts in real time. It helps organisers audit carbon savings, identify areas for improvement, and transparently communicate their progress toward net zero by 2030.

Transparent and verifiable impact reporting helped LME recently become the first sports organisation to achieve “evergreen” status from the Council for Responsible Sport, recognising its leadership in creating positive social and environmental change.

Michelle Sandquist, certification director shared, “London Marathon Events has set a new global benchmark for what it means to lead with purpose. Their work exemplifies what’s possible when innovation, accountability, and community are at the core of event planning.”

3. Carbon Removal To Tackle Travel Emissions

Over 56,000 people will travel from all over the world to take part in the 2025 TCS London Marathon, which creates a lot of carbon emissions. To compensate, organisers charge international participants a £26 ($34) climate levy at registration, that is used for carbon removal. Technology-based solutions such as direct air capture, biochar, and enhanced weathering are among the verified carbon removal methods supported.

“This initiative is valuable because it not only reduces emissions but also raises awareness,” chief financial officer of LME, Jeanette Wong explained recently. “Encouraging people to think about their travel choices is an important step in shifting behaviour.”

In LME’s most recent published sustainability report from 2023, scope 3 green house gas emissions, which are those caused by participant travel, supply chain activity and the lifecycle of products purchased, accounted for over 99% of the marathon’s carbon footprint.

4. Event Management Software Cuts Waste

Waste creation is a huge contributor to the environmental footprint of sports events. To tackle this, the London Marathon uses smart registration technology that asks runners key questions to help reduce waste. Participants are asked if they would like to receive a finisher’s medal, allowing organisers to produce only what is needed and cut down on excess manufacturing and shipping emissions. Runners are also given the option to plant a tree instead of receiving a finisher’s t-shirt, helping to reduce the environmental impact of textile production while supporting reforestation efforts.

For those who opt out of receiving a medal, some are available to loan at the finish line, to take photos and capture the moment. Medals are made from recycled zinc alloy, and ordered in bulk to reduce travel emissions, leftover medals and ribbons are recycled within the U.K.

Smart logistics is at the heart of new baggage-free assembly area. Team Green runners who either avoid bringing a kit bag or drop it off the day before the race help reduce the need for baggage trucks. This cuts fuel emissions and improves logistics efficiency on marathon day.

The TCS London Marathon’s 2025 sustainability efforts shows that bold ideas and technology can help the world’s biggest races tread more lightly. From converting waste into resources to removing carbon from the atmosphere, every initiative reflects a deeper shift in mindset, one that prioritises innovation, accountability, and long-term impact. As global sports tourism continues to grow, the London Marathon sets a powerful example, the future of major events lies not just in performance and spectacle, but in how responsibly they are delivered.

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3 Ways Sport Is Supporting “Our Power, Our Planet” This Earth Day

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“Our Power, Our Planet” is the rallying cry for Earth Day 2025, calling for a bold global effort to triple renewable electricity generation by 2030. The world of sport is emerging as a powerful ally in this transition.

Despite challenging political headwinds in U.S. around clean energy investments, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are expected to grow at record rates globally through 2025. Sports organisations across the globe are harnessing their influence, infrastructure, and fan engagement to advance clean energy goals. From stadiums powered by solar energy, to partnerships with renewable energy companies, the sector is proving that athletic ambition can go hand-in-hand with climate action.

1. Leading The Charge With Onsite Renewable Energy Generation

Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff ArenA has long been a sustainability pioneer. Its roof has 4,200 solar panels, and a wind turbine 35km away supplies green energy to the stadium. Storing renewable energy in two large batteries, which have a capacity of 8.6 mega watt hours, enables the stadium to run some matches entirely on green energy.

“More than a stadium we are trying to be a frontrunner in sustainability and we do that in connection with our stakeholders, business partners and also our industry partners,” shared director, innovation and advisory, Sander Van Stiphout. “After all, to shape our tomorrow, today we have to give import on sustainability because I believe that stadiums are like the living rooms of the society and create value to the society.”

In the U.K., Manchester City Football Club is rolling out a large-scale solar installation across its academy training complex and Joie Stadium. In November 2024, 2,800 of the 10,000 solar panel array had already been installed. “By transitioning to self-supplied renewable energy, we will guarantee a consistent flow of clean power that offsets the energy required to run the stadium and significantly reduce its environmental impact,” said the club’s director of sustainability, Pete Bradshaw.

In the U.S., 32% of NFL stadiums are powered by onsite solar arrays. It is an NBA team that has the largest solar installation however. The NBA’s Sacramento Kings stadium, Golden 1 Center, uses a mix of both onsite and offsite installations and represents 58% of the capacity installed at NBA arenas.

2. Sponsors Help Reduce Impact And Raise Awareness

Several major sports stadiums worldwide are now sponsored by renewable energy companies, signalling a growing commitment to sustainability in sport.

Italy’s Bluenergy Stadium, home to Udinese Calcio, began a strategic partnership with Bluenergy Group in early 2024 to install solar panels on the roof of the stadium. “Our goal is to become the first carbon free stadium in Italy within three to five years,” said Magda Pozzo, Udinese’s chief commercial officer in an interview with Forbes.

In April 2025 the ‘Energia in Campo’ project was launched, a system that features 2,409 solar panels on the stadium’s roof, able to generate around 1.1 million kilowatt hours annually.

Premier League football team Arsenal partner with Octopus Energy to run their stadium on 100% renewable electricity, with over 103 games being powered in this way. 2.32 million kg of CO₂ emissions per year are reportedly saved through this partnership, the equivalent of 844 double-decker buses. Arsenal’s 3MW mega battery allows Arsenal to avoid the grid during peak times and store clean energy for match day use. Even fans benefit, with a special Arsenal green tariff offering 100% renewable power and prize draws.

3. Innovations In Sport Push Clean Energy Boundaries

Earlier this year the Formula E Championship launched Pit Boost, a new electric vehicle recharging technology that provides a 10% energy increase through a 30-second, 600kW boost in the pit lane. This technological step forward in EV charging, deploys much more power than current consumer superchargers. “It’s fast charging on a mega level,” NEOM McLaren chief engineer Albert Lau confirmed, “probably two times faster than anything available on the road at the moment.”

Formula E’s “race-to-road” technology platform looks to apply innovations directly to the development of EVs for the public. Manufacturers use Formula E to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, ultimately improving the performance and efficiency of their road-going EVs, “What we learn on the racetrack through software enables us to transfer that information to our core engineering teams for our future vehicles,” commented James Barclay, team principal of Jaguar TCS Formula E racing team.

Teenager Gyeongyun Lily Min hopes “acoustic energy harvesting” could someday convert the loud sounds of sports arenas into electricity. After building a working model of a basketball stadium in her garage to test how sound vibrations could power piezoelectric devices, she designed different energy harvesters to focus sound onto these devices.

Her innovative project earned her a finalist spot at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Mechanical engineer at the University of Michigan, Daniel Inman, sees promise in the concept but notes that piezoelectric harvesting still faces efficiency and scalability challenges. Gyeongyun remains optimistic, saying, “By advancing the quality of piezoelectric devices and optimizing their deployment, we can unlock a new avenue for sustainable energy production.”

The Power of Sport To Drive Renewable Energy Uptake

Earth Day 2025’s goal to unite people around tripling renewable electricity by 2030 highlights the need for global collaboration and mobilization of communities. Sport has a unique role to play, both operationally and through its cultural influence. With its infrastructure and fan reach, the sporting world is perfectly positioned to accelerate awareness, innovation, and real-world impact.

From powering stadiums sustainably through renewable energy, inspiring fans through visible green action, and innovating, sport can be a driving force in meeting Earth Day’s mission for a cleaner, more resilient future.

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How Green Are 2025 NCAA Men’s And Women’s Final Four?

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The 2025 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four has just wrapped and now we wait to see who will be crowned champions. As the season concludes, we know that conference realignment has increased environmental impact, but how are local organising committees and finalists taking meaningful steps to reduce environmental impact?

Final Four Initiatives in Tampa Bay and San Antonio

At Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, host of the Women’s Final Four, sustainability efforts include diverting 30% of waste from landfills, and recycling around 90% of cans and bottles used at events. Water usage is reduced by restrooms featuring waterless urinals and flow restrictors.

In the lead-up to the Final Four, a riverwalk clean up was organised by the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee. Dozens of volunteers collected litter, ahead of welcoming fans and visitors to the area.

The Men’s Championships are being hosted at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and the Local Organizing Committee website states that it will deliver “the most sustainable final four yet.” Green team volunteers encourage fans to recycle at the Final Four, semi-finals and the Championship game, as well as at Fan Fest and Music Fest events. Since 2006, the venue has pursued “green” initiatives focused on water, energy and recycling.

“The Alamodome, while we’re quite proud of it’s history, is a bit of a dated infrastructure,” sustainability lead of San Antonio’s Local Organizing Committee for the Men’s Final Four, Brad Tipper shared. “We knew our impact wasn’t going to be as successful if we focused our efforts within the four walls of the dome. Instead we took this as an opportunity to identify and manage difficult to abate CO2 emissions, and introduce the idea of carbon removals.” The focus has been on conducting a lifecycle analysis of the Final Four, a comprehensive process evaluates the event’s environmental impact from start to finish.

Tim Trefzer, who previously led sustainability efforts for the NCAA Men’s Final Four local organizing committee in Atlanta shared, “sustainability efforts by Final Four are organized by local committees, which means year-on-year learnings and benchmarking can be lost. Consistency is difficult, and efforts vary from city to city.”

To address this challenge, SALOC is creating a sustainability playbook to be used across future NCAA events. Data is being collected and analyzed by students at local universities, supported by Tipper and his team. This will be published within 30 days of the Championship Game.

What The Final Four Teams Are Doing At Home

The Florida Gators will go up against Houston in the men’s championship game, in what is set to be a closely contested match up. At home, the Gators are committed to the University’s zero waste goal, encouraging recycling and green tailgating. “Green Games” are hosted throughout the season and a number of their buildings are certified as part of U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

University of Houston Athletics is powered by Rhythm Energy, a local energy provider that provides 100% renewable energy plans. University of Houston Office of Sustainability centres work around using resources responsibly. For Earth Month, they are hosting campus events including an e-waste pick up and plant-forward lunches.

The Auburn Tigers and Duke’s Blue Devils may have not have made the championship game, but their institution’s work off the court highlights how college programs are embracing sustainability. Circularity of apparel sits at the heart of the student-led athletics program “Devils Doing Good Gear Drive.” The initiative has collected and redistributed over 1,500 pairs of shoes to local community groups. Duke has an institutional climate commitment too, efforts include having over 300 climate and sustainability related classes and $3.7 million awarded in seed grants for research on climate. The Auburn Tigers are taking action on sustainability too, from solar panels at Jordan-Hare Stadium to recycling, composting, and tree-planting initiatives. Auburn’s Office of Sustainability is reducing its environmental impact while educating students and the community.

UConn will face South Carolina in the women’s championship game. UConn has been promoting sustainability through its Green Game Day program since 2008. Students have led recycling awareness and recovery at football and basketball games, collecting over 30,000 cans to date. Through the influence of head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina, helped establish an environmental engineering major for incoming player Joyce Edwards, highlighting the intersection between athletics and academic sustainability. Texas promotes sustainability efforts under the banner “Bleed Orange. Live Green,” with a focus on recycling.

Looking Ahead To Future Final Fours

The 2025 NCAA Final Four offers the opportunity to highlight sustainability in college sports, with host cities and participating teams taking action. As part of the site selection bid specifications for 2026 and 2027, the NCAA “encourages practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) to engage in sustainability initiatives.” Indianapolis, Detroit, Phoenix and Columbus can further drive this momentum.

Recycling and water conservation initiatives in Tampa Bay reflect growing norms, while San Antonio’s forthcoming sustainability playbook signals a step towards ensuring data and learnings are preserved and accessible to set a benchmark and improve future NCAA events.

Half a million students play college sports across 1,100 institutions. With so many student-led initiatives driving greener athletics, the NCAA and its partners have the opportunity to prioritize environmental legacy beyond the Final Four and into a more sustainable future.

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NCAA Conference Realignment Travel Strains Athletes, Teams And The Planet

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As the 2025 Men’s and Women’s NCAA Final Four wraps up the season, it marks a moment to reflect on the effects of conference realignment. Shifts in conference structures have led to travel that has stretched teams and fans across the country. These changes are not only reshaping the landscape of college sports, they are contributing to a mounting climate crisis, creating long-term consequences that go beyond the disruption of traditional rivalries and empty seats in arenas.

The Conference Realignment Ripple Effect

As the NCAA grapples with name, image, and likeness policies, transfer portal dynamics, and mounting mental health concerns, the 2024/25 season also brought with it major conference realignments. The prominent athletic programs of Oregon and UCLA joined the Big Ten, and Cal and Stanford moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference. These changes, motivated largely by financial incentives and media rights deals in football, have brought about consequences for athlete well-being, travelling fans and environmental sustainability.

While football was the driving force behind the reshuffle, basketball and other sports have arguably been more affected by increased travel. Conference realignment has impacted college basketball “in a worse way than it did football, forcing fans to either travel distances outside of their region to support the team or watch at home, leading to empty areas for big-time games,” reported Brock Vierra for Sports Illustrated.

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5 Innovative Ways Sport Is Tackling Waste

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Recycling and composting efforts in sports may now be an “expected baseline,” but improvements are being made and innovation persists. International Day of Zero Waste is a reminder that the waste we produce isn’t just a blight on the environment, but an economic drain, costing the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars every year. From plastics and food to electronics and packaging, we churn out 2 billion tons of waste annually, the equivalent weight of 2,200 Golden Gate Bridges.

Sport is no exception, the waste created at stadiums, events and tournaments adds to the mounting global crisis. An average NFL game can generate between 30 and 40 tons of waste. However, sport is taking action to tackle the problem. As major purchasers, influential role models, and community leaders, sports teams and venues are reducing waste and inspiring fans to do the same.

“I see sports as a highly effective platform to promote waste reduction, reuse, and recovery efforts,” says Jonathan Casper, associate professor and sport management program coordinator at North Carolina State University. However, he believes that initiatives such as recycling and composting “have shifted over time from being a true point of differentiation to more of an expected baseline for most organizations.”

“Teams and organizations that are active in things like zero waste are getting better and better, but the industry as a whole still seems to be lagging behind,” shared Timothy Kellison, associate professor in the department of sport management at Florida State University.

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New IOC President Says Meeting Olympians On Climate ‘A Priority’

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Kirsty Coventry has made history as the newly elected president of International Olympic Committee. Her election follows a call from 400 Olympians urging the incoming IOC President to lead on climate action.

The Olympians, who represent 89 countries, 50 sports and hold 245 medals, signed an open letter asked the incoming president to put “the care of our planet” as the one issue above all others. Coventry confirmed that meeting with them would be a “priority.”

New IOC President To Prioritize Climate

“Safeguarding our planet is a responsibility I deeply believe in and since these athletes have requested a meeting with the next IOC President, if I am entrusted with this role, I will make it a priority,” Coventry shared in response to the open letter ahead of the elections.

Elected in a single round of voting, 41-year-old Coventry is the youngest person ever to hold the role of IOC chief, as well as being the first woman, and first person from Africa to do so. A seven-time Olympic medallist from the 2004 and 2008 Games, she understands the power of the athlete voice. “As athletes, we are role models with a unique platform to drive positive change, and this initiative will help amplify the call for climate action,” she said.

Coventry shared that she was “inspired to see so many Olympians coming together to advocate for climate change.” Championing sustainable practices in infrastructure, logistics, and operations at the Olympic Games are areas of focus mentioned in her candidacy document. The adoption of innovations that reduce waste, conserve energy, and minimize carbon footprints are ways she believes sustainable legacies can be created for host cities can create sustainable legacies.

Athlete Signatories Respond to New IOC President

Fellow Olympic swimmer and open letter signatory, Cheyenne Rova, reacted to the election results, saying, “to hear that President-Elect Coventry is open to meeting with athletes early in her presidency is incredibly encouraging. It shows that our voices are not only being heard but are helping to drive change.”

“It’s a powerful and encouraging feeling to know that President-Elect Kirsty Coventry shares our deep concern about the climate crisis and its growing impact on sport.”

Rova is particularly aware of the climate crisis and its impact on sport as a Fijian. The Pacific Islands contribute just 0.02% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but are bearing the brunt of its impacts. Rising sea levels have flooded training grounds, extreme heat has altered competition and training schedules, and cyclones have destroyed sports infrastructure, leaving athletes displaced, and communities without safe spaces to play and train.

“The IOC has done a brilliant job over the last years, and we’re really looking forward to supporting President-Elect Coventry as she takes up her position,” shared the most successful female sailor in Olympic history and open letter signatory, Hannah Mills. Key issues the letter raised were strengthening commitments to carbon reduction, working with host cities and setting a standard regarding sponsors, Mills reiterated. “Our understanding is that LA is yet to release their sustainability goals for the 2028 Games, so we’re hopeful that’s a priority in the opening period of President-Elect Coventry’s term.”

Mills reflected on how “incredible” it was to see hundreds of Olympians come together for the letter, believing it clearly shows that “this is an issue athletes all over the world are concerned by and they’re looking to the new President for leadership.”

Challenges Ahead For New IOC President

It was a different presidency that Coventry was asked about in her first interviews after being elected. “I have been dealing with let’s say difficult men in high positions since I was 20 years old,” Coventry said when asked about managing potential challenges from Donald Trump’s proposed travel ban, which it was posited could impact athletes competing at LA 2028 Olympic Games. “What I have learned is that communication will be key. That is something that will happen early on.”

This diplomacy may need to extend to climate action too, in line with Coventry’s feelings of responsibility towards protecting our planet. Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has been criticized for his “all-out assault” on climate policy.

With global sports facing increasing environmental challenges, the new IOC President’s actions will be closely monitored. Olympians have made it clear that climate leadership is something they wish to be of the highest priority, and Coventry’s presidency presents an opportunity to continue to align the Olympic movement with a sustainable future.

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IOC President Hopefuls Embrace Olympians’ Call For Climate Leadership

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As the race for the next International Olympic Committee leader heats up, several candidates have embraced an open letter from 400 Olympians asking the incoming IOC president to make climate action their top priority.

Put “the care of our planet” as the one issue above all others, the Olympians urged. They represent 89 countries, 50 sports, and hold 245 medals, and stress that action is needed to preserve the Olympic Games as a symbol of unity, while also safeguarding the future of sports. The person to succeed Thomas Bach, who has held the role since 2013, will be elected at the 144th IOC Session on 18 to 21 March 2025 in Greece.

“We need leadership that champions real solutions—not just for the Games, but for the world our children will inherit,” shared Elana Meyers Taylor, five-time Olympic medallist in bobsleigh for Team USA, and flag bearer at the Beijing 2022 Games.

“As athletes we see firsthand how our environment impacts performance and well-being. Future generations deserve the chance to compete, train and thrive in a healthy world so it’s essential that the next IOC President prioritizes actions that protect that future for us all,” said Brooke Raboutou, silver medallist at Paris 2024 games and two-time Olympian for Team USA.

This is not the first time a large group of athletes has convened to urge environmental action. Previous open letters have focussed on IOC and Paris 2024 sponsors.

How IOC President Candidates Have Responded

Prince Feisal Al Hussein told Reuters that he welcomed the “powerful message from Olympians around the world.” He has previously advocated for more flexible scheduling of the Olympic Games to increase inclusivity and allow more countries, such as African nations, to host despite climate challenges.

Sebastian Coe will prioritize climate action. “If i’m successful next week that is very high in my in-tray,” he confirmed. He would also welcome meeting the athlete advocates to “share ideas and initiatives,” as reported by Reuters. Coe has previously warned that traditional summer Olympics could be unviable by 2040 due to rising temperatures, and stated that a “readjustment of the global calendar” will be needed.

“I was inspired to see so many Olympians coming together to advocate for climate change,” said Kirsty Coventry, in response to the letter. Coventry would also welcome a meeting with the athletes, saying “if I am entrusted with this role, I will make it a priority.”

Previously she has shared her focus on championing sustainable practices in infrastructure, logistics, and operations. In a world of ever-growing sports tournaments, events and championships, “growth for growth’s sake is no longer tenable” she shares in her candidature document.

Coe and Coventry are Olympians themselves. “As athletes, we are role models with a unique platform to drive positive change, and this initiative will help amplify the call for climate action,” Coventry noted.

Action must happen “with the boldness these Olympians demand,” Johan Eliasch said on social media site, LinkedIn. He went on to thank the athletes for raising the issue and said, “I completely agree that inaction is not an option. We must be bold on climate action and lead from the front.” Eliasch has a track record in environmental issues, having founded a charity dedicated to rainforest conservation in 2006.

Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, Morinari Watanabe and David Lappartient have not yet shared public responses to the letter. However all have spoken about environmental challenges and climate impacts ahead of the elections.

David Lappartient understands the need to adapt to environmental challenges, and would lead with innovation. “Sustainability is more important than ever, especially for the Winter Games. We know that some regions will no longer have enough snow to host events, so we have to find innovative solutions to ensure that the Games can be held in these places in a sustainable way,” he shared.

Samaranch Jr suggested that future Olympic Games could be held during the winter months, to allow countries with extreme summer temperatures to host. “It is not them that will have to change their climate, it will be us that will have to change whatever is necessary to be truly universal,” he noted.

Morinari Watanabe has suggested a multi-city host model for the Games across five continents at the same time, to reduce the environmental burden on single host cities. This would be a radical shift from the existing model, and one that has been discounted previously.

All Eyes On The New IOC President

The open letter from Olympians highlights the successful candidate’s “precious opportunity to build on the IOC’s sustainability leadership.” The IOC states it is committed to reducing direct and indirect emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, and compensating for more than 100 per cent of residual emissions through the Olympic Forest project. The organisation has also pledged to use its influence to encourage stakeholders and fans to take climate action.

The next IOC president will lead the Olympic movement through a critical era, overseeing Milan-Cortina 2026, LA28, French Alps 2030, and Brisbane 2032, each with significant environmental stakes. With climate challenges intensifying, the future of the Olympic Games, and the athletes who inspire millions who watch them, will depend on bold, decisive leadership. The incoming leader can ensure the Games not only endure, but lead the way in global climate responsibility.

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Premier League Unveils Environmental Sustainability Strategy

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Premier League has unveiled its environmental sustainability strategy, setting out a plan to adapt the business to achieve net-zero by 2040.

“Premier League football is enjoyed by hundreds of millions of fans around the world. We have the ability to reach and influence a significant global audience, raising awareness of climate change issues and helping to inspire positive behaviour change,” said Richard Masters, chief executive of the league.

“We will regularly review our programme of work, to keep our strategy up to date as our business and the wider industry continues to evolve. We know there is much work to do, but we are fully committed to this strategy.”

The launch coincides with “Green Football’s Great Save.” A three week campaign that encourages soccer clubs and supporters across the UK to save kits from landfill by donating, selling or reusing playing and training gear.

Priority Areas For New Premier League Strategy

The new strategy focuses on three key strategic priorities, adapting the business to achieve net-zero by 2040, future-proofing the game by decarbonising the league, and inspiring and engaging fans to take action through programmes and platforms.

The strategy outlines the key areas in which the league has direct control, collaboration opportunities and influence to drive change. Adaptations to the business, within the league’s direct control, will include formally incorporating environmental sustainability into governance and decision-making structures, as well as including environmental
considerations in supplier due diligence and risk management frameworks. For the first time the league has publicly disclosed its carbon emissions footprint from the 2022/23 season, which amounts to 36,821 tons of Co2e across Scopes 1, 2 and 3.

Premier League has come under criticism that it’s strategy has taken too long to publish, with soccer player David Wheeler telling BBC Sport in 2024, “two and a half years to wait on a sustainability strategy is dragging your feet, to say the least.”

“It’s important that the Premier League has finally released this strategy. Unfortunately it fails to adequately address the two biggest sources of pollution of the League: deals with polluting sponsors and fan travel,” shared Frank Huisingh, founder of Fossil Free Football.

Premier League Environmental Actions To Date

The last major announcement to come out of Premier League around this work was in February 2024, when an environmental sustainability commitment was agreed by all clubs. It outlined four operational measures that clubs would take alongside a timeline for action. The measures included the development of a robust environmental sustainability policy by the end of the 2024/25 season and a greenhouse gas emissions dataset by the end of the 2025/26 season. The commitment also advised that a senior employee must lead the club’s environmental sustainability activities, and clubs must support the development of a common framework for action via the Premier League Sustainability Working Group.

Prior to that, the Premier League Sustainability Working Group was established in 2023, to help shape and inform environmental practices across the League. Further back in November 2021, the league signed up for UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action, committing to emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. The league stated at the launch, “the development of the Premier League’s environmental sustainability strategy is ongoing and will be launched in 2022, outlining central business plans to reduce its own impact and to engage with other stakeholders to achieve the principles outlined in the Framework.”

The league was undertaking environmental efforts in 2018, when they partnered with the Sky Ocean Rescue campaign to raise awareness of the issues caused by single-use plastic. ‘Pass On Plastic’ was the message, and league chief executive at the time, Richard Scudamore, said at it’s launch, “as an organisation with a global audience we, and our clubs, are able to encourage people around the world to think and take positive action to reduce their use of plastic.”

Over recent years 70,000 primary school teachers across England and Wales have also been given access to free resources to protect our planet, through Premier League Primary Stars, a program to inspire young people aged 5 to 11 years old.

What Are Other Soccer Leagues Doing?

Soccer leagues across the globe are taking action on environmental sustainability in different ways. The most robust effort to date comes from Germany’s Deutsche Fußball Liga, with a mandatory environmental sustainability criteria being integrated into club licensing regulations for Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 in 2022. With a phased roll out, clubs have to provide independent proof that they fulfil the criteria within the scope of the licensing process by the 2025-26 season.

Spain’s La Liga has been advancing its agenda through several initiatives, including their Environmental Fair Play program, which provides a comprehensive guide to assist clubs in focusing their environmental efforts effectively.

Major League Soccer states it is “committed to taking steps to address its environmental impacts and seeks to inspire clubs, players, partners, fans and staff to improve the communities where we live and play our games.” This has mainly manifested to date mainly through its ‘Greener Goals Week of Service’, involving league-wide activities to raise awareness and reduce waste.

Major Opportunity For Premier League and Planet

Premier League’s new strategy signals a renewed commitment and plan to tackle its environmental impact, whilst harnessing its vast platform to reach and inspire fans. Matches are watched in 920 million homes across 189 countries, the most of any soccer league on the planet.

Momentum is growing across global soccer leagues and clubs to play a part in addressing climate change. Despite criticism from some corners over the time it took to launch, the strategy outlines clear priorities, positioning Premier League to hit the back of the net in driving meaningful action.

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Women’s Sports Growth Is A Win For Investors, Brands And The Planet

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The meteoric growth of women’s sports offers brands and investors the opportunity to reach new audiences, access new revenue streams and secure high returns. It is benefitting society and the planet too. Women’s sports fans have a values-first mindset, and prioritize brands that demonstrate integrity and social responsibility. Female athletes use their platforms to advocate for important causes, and as their platforms grow, so does the reach of messaging.

The Rapid Rise of Women’s Sports

The past few years have seen women’s sports grow at a “meteoric pace”. FIFA reported 3.2 billion views of their social and digital content for 2023 Women’s World Cup, and the 2023 U.S. Open women’s final outperformed the men’s final in viewership. In 2024, the Paris Olympics had an equal number of male and female athletes competing for the first time. Women’s sport in the UK achieved its most-watched year ever, with 44.7 million viewers tuning into domestic fixtures.

“As a senior player, it’s been incredible to witness firsthand the exponential rise in resources and interest in the women’s game,” shared Hayley Ladd, soccer player for Everton F.C. and Wales international. “Each year brings tangible progress—whether it’s increased budgets for clubs and competitions, higher prize money, or more professional environments.” The growth isn’t just in numbers, it is also in “how we’re treated as players, with improved facilities, enhanced support staff, and genuine investment in our development,” Ladd noted.

2024 was a huge year for women’s basketball. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship peaked at 24 million viewers, becoming the most-viewed college basketball game of the past five years. The WNBA’s regular season attracted over 54 million unique viewers, a 170% increase from the previous season, and the league was cited as the fastest-growing brand in professional sports.

Speaking about this with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, she told me, “the WNBA is more bullish than ever on our opportunity to carry the values of girls and women’s basketball worldwide, as part of our vital role in the broader sports ecosystem.” She went on, “WNBA players are inspiring and empowering the next generation of women to break barriers and reach new heights, and as a league we look to drive the movement forward by accelerating action on and off the court.”

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Star Athletes Urge Sports Fans To Join Them On Ocean Protection

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Athletes are rallying sports fans to join them to “Protect Where We Play” as part of a new initiative led by Ocean Conservancy. Professional sports leagues, teams, and venues will also participate through events and activations focussed on ocean health and conservation.

“Whether you live on the coast or hundreds of miles inland, the future of your favorite game, concert or event depends on the health of our ocean,” says Ocean Conservancy’s chief brand and communications officer, Jenna DiPaolo. Oceans are a “vital buffer” against the impacts of climate change, absorbing 25 percent of our carbon dioxide emissions and capturing 90 percent of the excess heat generated by these emissions.

Climate action in the U.S. is currently being described as “don’t ask, don’t tell” under President Donald Trump. However, “governors and mayors and business leaders are, for the most part, going to continue reducing their emissions because it makes good economic sense,” former U.S. vice president Al Gore shared recently.

Athletes Ask Sports Fans To Act For Future Generations

Athlete ambassadors or “Team Ocean” captains are leading awareness efforts for the initiative, and are using their reach to mobilise sports fans. Captains include Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, two-time gold medal-winning paralympian Ezra Frech, olympian and WNBA basketball player for Minnesota Lynx, Napheesa Collier, and Brent Suter, MLB baseball pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.

Shoring up the opportunity for the next generation to participate in sports is the motivation behind the athletes’ involvement. Something that could be under threat as our climate changes. “I want my daughter — and everyone’s kids — to be able to enjoy the same sports that have brought me so much joy and success,” commented Collier.

“For me, this really comes down to my kids,” Suter shared, “I want all our kids to be able to enjoy the game that has given me so much, and I think that every athlete would want the same thing.”

Frech is driven by the desire to make it possible for more people to participate in the sports that they love. “To protect our planet, and to create the best world we can for my little brothers to enjoy sports like I have, we need to protect the oceans.”

“Protect Where We Play is about ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same experiences we treasure today,” noted Kelvin Beachum. “Studies show that our home stadium could face nearly $965 million in damages over the next decade from high heat and flooding.”

This sentiment is at the heart of another new athlete-led climate campaign in Australia. National cricket captain, Pat Cummins, and more than 130 other athletes have come together to ask fans to support a Duty of Care Bill, “to make the right calls today to ensure Aussie kids can keep playing the sports they love.” Olympic bronze medal-winning race walker Rhydian Cowley is one of those athletes, and commented, “Because sport has given me so much, I want to protect its future, so the next generation gets the same opportunities I did.”

The Power of Sports Fans To Unlock Action

Two out of every three Americans are sports fans. Powerful influencers of culture, the economy and a key target for businesses, fans are the lifeblood of sport. They hold the power to influence decision-making and drive real change when they unite at scale around an issue.

Ohio-based Major League Soccer team Columbus Crew was on the verge of being moved to Texas in 2017, a move that would have made one of the original MLS team franchises cease to exist. In “one of the most notable fan movements in US soccer history,” supporters started a campaign that garnered global coverage. This influenced a new ownership group to build a new home stadium locally. Columbus Crew still play their home games in Ohio.

In 2021, 12 soccer clubs attempted to create a breakaway European Super League. While heads of state, top European leagues, and football associations opposed the move, it was the “ferocious” backlash from fans, who took to the streets to protest the “greedy pursuit of money,” that led to Premier League clubs withdrawing. This stopped the idea in its tracks.

Money was also at the centre of fan protests in Germany in late 2023 and early 2024. Bundesliga fans protested the German soccer league’s plans to allow a financial investor to acquire a one billion euro stake in media rights. Fans disrupted and delayed nearly every game in the top two men’s divisions for weeks, by throwing chocolate coins and tennis balls onto pitches and using remote controlled cars to stop play. The league did not sell the stake.

Whether focused on preserving team legacies, influencing financial decisions, or now advocating for ocean health, sports fans taking collective action can drive real-world change. The Protect Where We Play campaign highlights the opportunity they have to shape the future, not just of their team, but of the planet itself.

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