This week at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, UEFA launched its carbon footprint calculator, a tool designed to simplify the classification of greenhouse gas protocol categories and align specifically with football operations. The calculator comes with a user guide, tutorial videos, and a full methodology, validated by a third-party verifier. It marks the first time a sports governing body has introduced such a tool on this scale to help individuals involved in football calculate, understand, and act on their emissions related to the game.
In a similar vein, the NHL and SAP launched NHL Venue Metrics in 2022 to measure and analyze the carbon footprint generated by its 32 clubs. The International Orienteering Federation and FIA have also introduced carbon calculators to address emissions related to their respective sports.
One of the common challenges faced by football and sports organizations in advancing environmental sustainability efforts is the lack of knowledge on where to start and internal resources or expertise to undertake such work. The new carbon footprint calculator aims to address this gap by providing a standardized way for clubs to calculate their baseline carbon footprint, encouraging more clubs to engage in this work.
During the launch event, speakers emphasized the importance of climate reporting and environmentally-focused activities in football and sport. The tool was praised for enabling organizations to save time on data collection and focus on developing emissions reduction strategies.
The event also shed light on the broader landscape of climate reporting in Europe, with discussions on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and its implications for football clubs and their sponsors. The calculator is seen as a proactive step towards meeting future greenhouse gas emissions disclosure requirements.
Collaboration on environmental initiatives among Premier League clubs was highlighted as a key focus, with clubs recognizing the need to work together to address environmental impacts. The launch of the carbon calculator signifies a shift towards a more action-oriented and standardized approach to environmental sustainability in football and sport.
